U.S.-built Lexus TX three-row SUV: Everything we know [Update]

Update: Entire story updated.

For years, American luxury SUV buyers have asked Lexus to release a full-size model engineered primarily for on-road driving, something more comfortable and spacious than the Lexus LX. The Lexus RX L wasn’t the perfect solution, but the Lexus TX, its successor, seems to finally check all the boxes. Let’s take a look:

Design

The Lexus TX has a less jagged styling than the Lexus RX L. Focusing on space and practicality, it has a rather boxy exterior. While the RX L was an extension of the (third-gen) RX, the TX has got nothing to do with the (fourth-gen) RX. It is, however, a mechanical cousin of the Toyota Grand Highlander, and that relationship is evident in its shape. Minimal sheet metal changes help companies keep production costs low and prices competitive.

At the front, the Lexus TX features a clean look, mainly because of a ‘Unified Spindle’ grille that only has narrow horizontal openings. Lexus says this grille prioritizes aerodynamic handling and vehicle stability, which is why the openings aren’t unnecessarily big. The Lexus logo is positioned in front of the hood shut line instead of on the grille, adding to the understated appearance. The headlights are compact horizontal units and feature an L-shaped slim DRL that runs beneath the lead edge of the hood.

Fog lamps are going out of fashion at some luxury automakers, but not Lexus. The TX does have fog lamps, on the lower side areas of the front bumper. The hood has a muscular bulge and slopes down gracefully.

The side profile is nearly identical to the Toyota Grand Highlander. The luxury model has unique wheels, body-colored wheel arch moldings, and a wider, black D-pillar. The rear-end is tall and upright, much like that of the LX. A slim, end-to-end tail light with L-shape outer ends emphasizes the width of the SUV.

Interior

The 2024 Lexus TX features a posh interior with minimalist vibes and a focus on passenger comfort and utility above everything else. The dashboard is slimmer than that of the LX, and the center console is comparatively cleaner. Instead of two touchscreens in the center, a 12.3-inch upper unit and a 7-inch lower unit, there’s just one 14-inch unit, positioned more conveniently.

The TX features the Lexus Interface infotainment system that Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) developed in Plano, Texas. Hey Lexus voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming, dual-Bluetooth pairing, cloud navigation, and OTA updates are some of the key features of the U.S.-developed infotainment system. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster resides behind the steering wheel, but it’s an “available” feature, which is strange for a full-size luxury SUV in 2023. Even a head-up display in the list of optional features.

The TX is the biggest model in the Lexus line-up, so it’s more spacious than the LX. While the LX is available in 4-, 5-, and 7-seat versions, the TX will be available in 6- and 7-seat versions. Thus, the LX will continue being the flagship model and have the highest price tag in the Lexus line-up. Back to the TX, the second row has either a 60:40 split-folding bench or two captain’s chairs. Third-row passengers need to just press a switch on the second-row seat shoulder on their respective sides to make room for their entry.

Compared to the Lexus RX L, the Lexus TX should provide significantly enhanced comfort for third-row passengers, offering improved headroom and legroom. We can already see that outside visibility is much better. In addition to allowing those occupants to get a better view of the surroundings, the significantly bigger rear quarter glass panels improve visibility for the driver while backing up. The shape of these panels is almost identical to the Toyota Grand Highlander.

In the 6-seat version, the TX features an optional center console between the captain’s chairs. It’s a removable semi-console box that offers extra storage space for small items or portable electronics, like a tablet, for instance. The TX’s cargo space is higher than that of the LX and enough to store seven carry-on suitcases in the rear. With all seats up, 20.1 cu. ft. of cargo space is available. Folding down the third-row seats increases the cargo space to 57.4 cu. ft. Folding down the second-row seats as well gives a maximum luggage capacity of 97 cu .ft.

Safety

The Lexus TX includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, and that is a significant upgrade over the RX L’s Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. LSS+ 3.0 packs Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), and many more driver assistance features.

Lexus will equip the TX with Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) and Advanced Park as well, but the latter will be an optional feature. Traffic Jam Assist will also be available on the TX.

Specifications

The 2024 Lexus TX sits on the TNGA-K platform or simply ‘GA-K’ at Lexus, leading to a stiffer unibody structure, smoother and quieter ride, lower center of gravity, and many other improvements over the RX L. The monocoque full-size SUV is up to 203.5 in. long, 78.3 in. wide, and 70.1 in. tall and has a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It’s up to 3.0 in. longer but up to 4.5 in. lower than the body-on-frame LX. More importantly, it has a 4.0 in. longer wheelbase, which is why it is much more spacious.

Lexus has announced the 2024 TX in three variants: TX 350, TX 500h, and TX 550h+. The TX 350 is the base variant that employs a conventional gasoline engine with zero electrification. The TX500h is the hybrid variant slotted above it, and the TX550h+ is the range-topping plug-in hybrid that should offer a sufficient pure-electric driving range to cover daily commutes. Both the electrified variants feature DIRECT4 AWD.

TX Hybrid

The Lexus TX 500h employs the T24A-FTS 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine and two motors, one assisting the engine at the same axle and one enabling all-wheel drive by powering the rear wheels. The parallel hybrid system has been paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It produces 366 hp and 409 lb.-ft. of torque and is targeted to deliver a fuel economy of 24 MPG.

TX Plug-in Hybrid

As for the TX 550h+, Lexus says it uses the 2GR-FXS 3.5-liter V6 gas engine and a CVT. Reports say it has three electric motors, and while it’s logical to assume two of them are on each axle, there’s no word on which wheels the third motor is powering, the front ones or the rear. Lexus has confirmed that the plug-in hybrid system develops a total power of 406 hp.

Lexus estimates the TX 550h+ will be able to travel 33 miles in EV mode on a full charge and return a fuel economy of 30 MPG.

Benefits of electrification in the Lexus TX

Electrification should add refinement and efficiency while meeting the performance expectations of buyers in the market for a three-row luxury SUV. With assistance from the electric motor, 0-60, overtaking, and tackling inclines would not be an issue even with a full load of occupants. For the TX 550h+ specifically, Lexus says customers will experience smooth acceleration and serene quietness.

Aspect	2024 Lexus TX 500h Specification	2024 Lexus TX 550h+ Specification
Vehicle Type	Hybrid Full-Size SUV	Plug-in Hybrid Full-Size SUV
Length	203.5 in.	203.1 in.
Width	78.3 in.	78.3 in.
Height	70.1 in.	70.1 in.
Wheelbase	116.1 in.	116.1 in.
Wheels	22 in.	22 in.
Tires	255/45 R22	255/45 R22
Cargo Space (behind third row/second row/first row)	20.1 cu. ft./57.4 cu. ft./97 cu. ft.	20.1 cu. ft./57.4 cu. ft./97 cu. ft.
Drivetrain Layout	DIRECT4 AWD	DIRECT4 AWD
Engine	T24A-FTS 2.4L gasoline	2GR-FXS 3.5L gasoline
Transmission	6-speed automatic	CVT
System Power	366 hp	406 hp
System Torque	409 lb.-ft.	TBA
Targeted Fuel Economy Rating	24 MPG	30 MPG
Targeted Electric Driving Range	TBA	33 miles

Production

Production of the Lexus TX will take place at the Toyota factory in Princeton, Indiana, USA. The TX will be the first Lexus manufactured at this plant. That’s not all, as this will also be the first U.S.-built Lexus with a plug-in hybrid system.

Release Date

The 2024 Lexus TX will go on sale in Fall 2023, but it won’t be available in the TX 550h+ variant at launch. The plug-in hybrid variant will go on sale at a later date, but as part of the 2024 model.

Dealers are excited about the launch of the proper seven-seater SUV designed and developed mainly for American customers. The TX is a model “that is going to give the ride that that segment is looking for,” John Iacono, Chairman, Lexus National Dealer Advisory Council, said.

In anticipation of Lexus launching the TX in the U.S. in the coming months, a few Lexus dealers have begun posting the details of the SUV obtained from media reports on their websites, keeping eager customers informed on the latest updates.

With the launch of the Lexus TX, the brand would strengthen its presence in North America. This model would be a testament to Lexus’ continued efforts to offer tailor-made regional solutions. The TX should contain better margins than the RX L, which, along with greater demand, could make it a favorite with dealers.

No RHD version

Lexus developed the TX as a regional exclusive model for North America, as per an official Japanese press release. The company hasn’t announced it in Europe or elsewhere, and we don’t see that happening in the future either. In early 2023, a report from Chasing Cars indicated that Lexus Australia attempted to convince the factory to make the TX available in right-hand drive, but had not been successful. Thus, a right-hand drive version is out of the question for the moment.

Lexus TX vs. Lexus LX

There should be no dilemma when choosing between the Lexus TX and LX. Both have plenty of differentiation in every aspect.

Customers have been asking for a full-size Lexus SUV that’s plusher than the LX and with car-like manners for years now. The body-on-frame LX is not the ideal choice for people who want a vehicle to move their children around town or a status symbol for the elites being driven mainly downtown or to other urban areas with well-paved roads.

The TX is a more spacious and comfortable people-mover than the LX. With improved handling and easier maneuvering, thanks to its monocoque chassis, it will provide a more relaxing ride overall. Thanks to its local production and lack of top-flight off-roading hardware, the TX should be a more affordable option too. And by far the biggest advantage over the LX would be the higher gas mileage and quietness of the hybrid/plug-in hybrid system.

Local production would make the TX quicker to ship to U.S. dealers and give it greater supply stability compared to the LX. Soon after the launch, Lexus had stopped taking orders for the new LX in Japan due to overwhelming demand, and unprecedented supply chain issues. Such instances are less likely for the TX, as the U.S. market supply would be prioritized by the Indiana plant. What this means for customers is that the TX might would not be as prone to shortages and dealer markups.

TopElectricSUV says

While the RX L is an extension of the RX to accommodate up to seven occupants, the TX is a model conceived as a proper three-row SUV. In addition to being more spacious and comfortable, the more advanced electrification and other better technologies make the new SUV feel more attractive for family car buyers in the high-end market.

Lexus TX FAQs

Featured Image Source: Lexus