REVIEW:  2024 Lexus TX 350

This week I have been behind the wheel of a completely new addition to the Lexus lineup of SUVs, the TX.  This really fills a hole for the luxury automaker.  The RX has been their best-seller, and it did offer an extended version, but honestly the 3^rd row seat was extremely cramped.  The TX is a nice compromise between the RX and the GX.

The TX 350 I have is one of five trim levels that go up from here to the Premium and the Luxury, then you get into the TX 500h hybrid models and there are two of those in the lineup.  Although my tester is the least expensive TX offered, it is still a Lexus and still extremely nice and well-equipped.  All trims come in all-wheel or just front-wheel drive, which is what I have this week.

Exterior

I like the exterior appearance of the TX, it’s not overly blingy by any stretch, and Lexus has toned down the big front grill that polarized so many people.  It has a rear spoiler, a limited amount of chrome trim, machined 20” alloy wheels surrounded by 255/55 all-season tires.

 

 

 

 

 

 Powertrain

Under the hood comes a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder that is putting out a strong 275-horses and it is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.  The 4-banger has terrific torque, rated at 317-pound feet and really gets this SUV moving.  If I hadn’t known, I’d have sworn it was a six cylinder, a trend I am seeing a lot of.  There are shift paddles on the heated leather steering wheel if you wish to use them.

Interior

The interior is what I’ve come to expect from a Lexus.  It is luxurious but not over the top.  The seats are amazingly comfortable, slightly bolstered, and they are heated and cooled. The seats are heavily stitched and stitching also runs from the door panels and across the entire dash.  Everything you touch inside the TX is soft with no plastic at all.

 

 

 

 

The gauge cluster is bright, colorful, and is easy to read.  It is also large, coming in at 12.3” and is highly configurable from the steering wheel controls.  It features a large tachometer, you can display your speed digitally, and it gives you the outside temperature and the time.  All-in-all, it is a very well thought out display.

Nicely integrated into the dash is a huge 14” touchscreen in which everything runs.  It is simple to use, extremely fast, and there is no learning curve to speak of.  From there you operate the Mark Levinson sound system with 21-speakers, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, you can configure the car the way you wish, and all your settings are there.  It also houses wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a fantastic 360-degree camera system.  You operate the drive modes from this screen as well, you can choose normal, sport, eco, or you can customize it to your liking.

Below the big screen are your air conditioning controls which feature large knobs, seat temperature controls, and a volume knob for the sound system.  Further down is a well laid out center console that has a wireless cell phone charger, three USB-C ports, a couple of cup holders with removable inserts, the gear shifter, your electronic emergency brake, an Auto Hold button, a button to turn off the traction control (not sure why you ever would), and a button to turn off the start/stop system.  The center storage area can be opened by the driver or passenger and makes for a really comfy place to rest your elbow.

My tester has the optional 2^nd-row captain chairs and they are very comfortable with fold down arm rests.  Both seats recline and they slide forward and backward.  Rear seat occupants get their own automatic temperature controls, a couple of USB-Cs, and a power outlet.  There are manual side window shades to block the sun on those hot summer days or for privacy.

Entry to the 3^rd row is simple with a button on top of the captain’s chairs that slide and fold the seats completely out of the way.  Where the TX really shines is the amount of 3^rd row seat room.  Two adults, regardless of size, would be extremely comfortable back there, and headroom and legroom is amazing.  You would have no trouble going cross-country in this 3^rd row seat.

Also, a surprise was the amount of cargo area behind the 3^rd row, there is an amazing amount.  If you need more, the 3^rd row folds quickly and easily into the floor with the push of a button.  You can fold the rear seat down on either side, it is a 50/50 split configuration. 

You can also fold down the 2^nd row captains chairs and have an incredible 97-cubic feet of cargo area.  The liftgate is power operated from inside the vehicle, a foot motion detector,  or with the key fob.

Safety

On the safety front, you get pre-collision with pedestrian protection, lane tracing assist, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring.

Standard Features And Options

The TX is extremely well-equipped, but there is quite a bit of optional features on my test unit.  At extra charge are the center row captain chairs, the upgraded sound system, the technology package, convenience package, rear cargo lamps, and puddle lamps in the outside mirrors.

Notable standard features besides those listed is ambient lighting, power tilt wheel, memory seats, a huge panoramic moon roof, and a rearview camera mirror.

Ride and Drive 

The TX 350 rides and drives like a dream, it is whisper quiet inside, the handling is good, and acceleration was surprisingly good.  It will tow 5,000 pounds.  Fuel economy is rated at 21 city and 27 highway for a combined 23 overall.

What You'll Pay

There were a lot of nice surprises with this SUV, but none bigger than the price.  This roomy, loaded, luxury SUV is coming in with an MSRP of $63,888 and is one of the best values I’ve seen in a long time.