Performance

The TX is available with three different powertrains. It starts with a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 on the TX 350. Though a familiar engine in the Lexus lineup, several advanced technologies were added, such as a center injection system (for more stable combustion), lightweight, spherical lipless pistons (for high-speed combustion), and a continuously variable capacity oil pump (to modify discharge volume based on running conditions). The resulting engine produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque.  Managing the power is an 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission with bespoke shift control logic for smooth acceleration and deceleration. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with an electronically controlled, full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) system available on all TX 350 grades. The AWD system constantly varies torque distribution from 75:25 (front/rear) to 50:50, depending on the driving conditions. You will find this drivetrain in Standard, Premium, and Luxury grades.

The TX 500h combines the 2.4-liter engine with a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery beneath the 2nd-row seats and both front and rear motors for AWD and a total system horsepower of 366 combined with 406 lb-ft of torque. The system connects to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 76 kW can provide near instantaneous power to the rear wheels when needed. The AWD system combined with the standard Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) gives the TX 500h significantly more agile handling than one would expect of a vehicle its size. This is why all TX 500h grades have “F Sport Performance” in their name, including F SPORT Performance Premium and F SPORT Performance Luxury grades. 

The TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid is far more than a TX 500 with a port and larger battery. The engine is now a 3.5-liter V6 with front and rear motors and a total system horsepower of 404. The 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery is located under the floor to create a low center of gravity and gives the TX 550h+ an EV-only range of 33 miles. After fully charging overnight, if 33 miles exceeds your daily commute or everyday driving routine, the TX 550h+ can go all week on EV power alone. When the weekends consist of just local city driving, the TX 550h+ could go weeks without using a drop of gas. The TX 550h+ comes exclusively in the Luxury grade and will be available early in the 2024 calendar year. The TX 500h+ is also the first Lexus plug-in hybrid model assembled in North America.

The TX model line has a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a five-arm, multi-link system for the rear. The F SPORT Performance grades feature an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Linear solenoid actuators in the shocks can adjust nearly instantly to vary the damping force of each shock based on driving conditions and the driver’s operation. It allows the TX to drive smoothly in steady cruising while tightening up in the curves for enhanced handling. 

Drive Mode Select enables the driver to adjust the TX’s responses at will with a choice of Normal, ECO, and Sport modes, as well as a custom mode that allows the driver to precisely adjust the drivetrain, chassis, and air conditioning functions, as well as the suspension on AVS-equipped models. 

Design

Integrated horizontal slats create an elegant look for the front of the TX. The body is long and smooth, with just a few upper and lower character lines to add tension. The windows also emphasize length with black B, C, and D -pillars separated by dark privacy glass to create a wrap-around look for the upper portion of the vehicle. Full-width LED tail lights create an elegant parting image. 

The interior is designed to be a serene and comfortable space for all. Depending on the trim level, the driver can choose either twin analog gauges and a 7-inch MID or a full 12.3-inch digital driver information center. Adjacent to the driver’s gauge binnacle is a standard 14-inch high-definition touchscreen. 

The TX will seat seven with the 60:40 split-folding 2nd-row bench or six with the 2nd-row captain’s chairs that emulate the front seat comfort and include both heating and ventilation. Access to the third row is a simple press of the button on the 2nd-row seat shoulder, causing it to tilt and slide forward instantly. Once in the back, 3rd-row passengers enjoy 33.5 inches of rear legroom. Behind the seats is 20.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the 3rd-row seats down and increasing to 97.0 cubic feet when the 2nd-row seats are folded.

Technology

The 14-inch touchscreen consists of a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to keep the image vivid from all angles during all times of the day. Its menu operations are similar to those found on smartphones, and if you want the actual interface of your smartphone, all models have standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your smartphone can also act as a key for the TX with the digital key feature of the Remote Connect, which allows remote locking and unlocking and even the ability to use the hatch as a safe location to receive delivered packages. Up to seven trusted guests can also have Digital Key accessibility. Remote Connect can be used to remotely start the vehicle, adjust the climate control, check vehicle health, and more.

Everyone will be comfortable and connected with seven USB ports, including two for the 3rd row. In addition, two phones can be connected to the infotainment system via Bluetooth simultaneously. That would include being one of the sources for the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system, which uses the brand’s Quantum Logic Surround to provide stage-like, full-bodied, balanced tones to all passengers regardless of seating position.

The available Head-Up Display (HUD) provides essential information such as speed, shift position, navigational directions, and readings for driver assist systems, including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. The HUD’s position can be tied to the driver’s memory settings. Among the driver assist technologies are Advanced Park, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist, which can automatically brake, stop, and move forward with dense traffic flow.

Safety

All TX models come standard with the Lexus Safety System + 3.0, which includes:

• Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection
• All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS)
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)