2024 Lexus TX 500h: Like A Giant Marshmallow With Extra Sugar

Following our first experience with the all-new 2024 Lexus TX last fall, The Car Guide recently had the opportunity to spend a full week with the hybrid variant of the successor to the late RX L, which failed to make a strong enough case as a three-row family hauler.

Similar to the excellent Toyota Grand Highlander it’s related to, this midsize luxury SUV proves to be a lot more convincing and competitive in a market segment full of contenders, most of which are solidly established.

• Also: Toyota Grand Highlander, Lexus TX Recalled Over Airbag Issues
• Also: 2024 Lexus TX: Trying to Succeed Where the RX L Failed

Three Powertrain Options

Until the top-line TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model arrives (406 hp, around 53 km of electric range), the TX 500h is the one offering the most power and efficiency. The base TX 350 will be good enough for a majority of drivers, especially with 317 lb-ft of torque, but some will not appreciate the lack of a flexible V6 engine or the fact that real-world fuel economy isn’t that much better.

While its electrified sibling also relies on a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder, the addition of two electric motors (64 kW front, 76 kW rear) makes a huge difference, increasing output to 366 horsepower along with 406 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration from a standstill is remarkable, especially in Sport mode. The automatic transmission may have six gears only, but it sure is better than a CVT in such application. Honestly, it does a pretty commendable job. Even with six people on board (no second-row bench, here), passing and climbing manoeuvres are never a problem.

At the same time, the TX 500h achieves an NRC-rated 8.6 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving, an improvement from the TX 350’s 10.3 L/100 km rating. Too good to be true? Well, yes, a little. Despite favourable weather conditions and our best efforts not to make excessive use of all that power on tap, we wound up with an average of 9.8 L/100 km. Keep in mind that we occasionally used Eco mode, too. By the way, since there is no drive mode selector on the centre console, you need to go through the touchscreen to change the drive mode, which becomes overly complicated and distracting when you’re already using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Of course, it’s hard to find more fuel-efficient SUVs of that size and with that kind of performance. Around town, there are plenty of times when the TX 500h can operate on pure battery power, which makes it all the more satisfying. Transitions between the two power sources are quite seamless, and the driving experience is always smooth and quiet, even at higher speeds thanks to tremendous work by Lexus engineers to cancel wind and road noise.

Wait a minute? Smooth? Even with those giant 22-inch wheels from the F Sport Performance 2 package that comes standard with the TX 500h? That’s right. You can thank the supremely soft adaptive suspension for that. On the flip side, body movements can be significant and annoying at times, particularly when braking. As you can imagine, a fully loaded and consequently heavier TX won’t be affected as much, but at the same time, the brakes felt just good enough in solo driving and might become tired after repeatedly carrying several passengers and their cargo.

Ultimately, the TX lacks the firmness and sharpness of sportier and more dynamic competitors such as the Acura MDX and Porsche Cayenne, but typical Lexus customers should be plenty happy.  

Distinctive and Easier on the Eye

By most accounts, styling is a success. The new TX looks classy in a distinctive way. The design of the front grille is arguably less polarizing than what is found on many other Lexus products. The black-finished rear pillars give the roof a floating profile, while the aforementioned 22-inch alloys on the hybrid model add muscle and character to the sides.

The interior is dominated by a large 14-inch touchscreen that’s slightly angled toward the driver and easy to reach. However, the infotainment system lacks functionality and user-friendliness when compared with the best in the business. The HVAC controls are conveniently laid out in the lower portion of the display and always visible.

Virtually every touch point feels soft and refined, starting with the F Sport seats and steering wheel. The former deliver a beautiful mix of comfort and support, effectively masking some of the body roll in corners. Oh, did we mention that the turning circle of the hybrid model is shorter (10.8 metres versus 11.6 metres) thanks to the agility-enhancing rear-wheel steering system? 

Meanwhile, storage is adequate and even includes a small hidden compartment under the wireless charging tray. Too bad the centre armrest doesn’t flip up from both sides as is the case in the smaller NX and RX.

Now, the biggest improvement over the old RX L is clearly the third row, putting the TX among the leaders in that area. Two adults can easily and comfortably sit back there, not just kids. Cargo capacity isn’t sacrificed in the process, which is even better news. The trunk can fit 572 litres of gear and expands to 1,625 litres by folding the third-row seats, or 2,747 litres by doing the same with the second-row captain’s chairs. Only the Buick Enclave offers more total cargo room.

Our Verdict

Pleasantly generous in terms of space and comfort, the all-new TX is a wonderful addition to the Lexus lineup for large families that require a three-row SUV but don’t need or even want a full-size LX, which is also a lot more expensive. It will inevitably appeal to American drivers and force rivals to pay attention to it—even though there’s nothing exciting about the drive beyond the power and efficiency of the gas-electric model.

All-inclusive pricing for the TX 500h starts at around $87,000, or $16,000 above the base TX 350 (before tax). The gas savings alone will never cover that premium, but you have to remember that Lexus has packed the TX 500h with more content. You could spend an extra $6,000 for the F Sport Performance 3 package, which includes more technology and driver assistance features, but if you ask us, you can easily live without it.