When Lexus lengthened the RX to create the RXL it simply wasn’t up to the task in the highly competitive Luxury three-row market and the only other ways to get a third-row seat were the GX and LX, but now with the introduction of the 2024 Lexus TX 550h+ they may have a winner on their hands.

The TX is built on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander, which I tested last summer, and it’s significantly bigger than the latest RX, with a four-inch-longer wheelbase, almost three inches of extra width, and an overall length of just over 203 inches which is just short of 17 feet.

Boxy Styling

Unlike in the RX, there’s no curved roofline here, instead the rear end is squared-off maximizing space for both people and cargo. At the front Of course, it sports the unmistakable Lexus spindle-shaped grille with body-color horizontal slats, the good news is it tones down the TX’s styling, and I like it.

All TX 550 h+ models are luxury trim and come with 22-inch wheels wrapped in Continental all-season tires with brakes that are upgraded to aluminum  6-piston front calipers with larger discs.

Under the hood

Lexus offers the TX with three powertrain options, all of which, can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The biggest seller will be the Lexus TX350, which uses a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 and an eight-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive.

Next up is the TX500h F Sport Performance hybrid, which combines the same turbo engine with an electric motor between it and a six-speed automatic transmission. That combination powers the front wheels, and a second electric motor powers the rear axle. Total output for the TX500h is 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, my tester has the most interesting powertrain It’s a plug-in hybrid blending a 3.5-liter V-6 with 259 hp, a 179-hp electric motor, and at the back, a 101-hp electric motor. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission on the front axle. The total output is 404 hp. (Lexus doesn’t quote torque numbers)  The third motor on the rear axle kicks in during low-traction situations and under full throttle for maximum output.

The lithium-ion battery also provides up to 33 miles of EV-only driving range, while overall fuel economy is 29/28/29 mpg city/highway/combined. 0-60 takes 5.6 seconds.

Driving

The 550 h+, as a hybrid, delivers torque immediately in response to accelerator inputs and yes you can hear the V6 but it sounds a hell of a lot better than the four-cylinder in the other models. The extra shove from the electric motors delivers a decent push from behind too, it’s properly quick.

Our testing always includes some technical backroads and the 550 h+ can be hustled fairly well. The suspension is supple even in Sport mode, which does weigh up the steering a tad but doesn’t make it more precise. Attack the corners though and the big 3-row is well-controlled but would benefit from the 500 H f-Sports’ rear-wheel steering to help mitigate understeer.

The upgraded brakes are very good, especially for a hybrid vehicle with regen, the initial bite is good and if you stomp on them in an emergency they are very reassuring.

We also tested the TX on some moderate truck trails after all it has all-wheel drive and 7.9 inches of ground clearance, plenty for crossing small streams and climbing mountains. There is a button in the center console with a picture of rocks and a tree, so we pressed it and the vehicle goes into Normal mode with the softer suspension settings than Sport.

I must say the suspension is remarkably complaint over washboard and moderately rocky surfaces. Very little vibration was passed into the cabin, the car did everything we wanted it to do. Of course, if you want to get technical with your off-roading them we would suggest the Lexus GX.

Interior

Step inside, and the cabin offers a lot of luxury and comfort without too much flashiness, of course, being a Lexus the build quality is second to none. The front seats which have semi-aniline leather upholstery get multi-way power including power cushion extenders and they are heated and cooled. They are also extremely comfortable.

In the center console and slightly angled towards the driver is a large 14.0-inch touchscreen powered by Lexus’ new infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The design is understated but it works well, the menus are simple and it’s quick to respond. The only downside is I wish all of the HVAC controls were physical, instead, you get two rotary knobs to adjust temperature and the rest is embedded in the screen

On the plus side, you do get a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and an excellent 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver as well as seven USB ports, one for every passenger.

Second and Third Row

The second-row folks also get captain’s chairs which are both heated and cooled and very comfortable as well as HVAC controls, armrests, cupholders, and window shades for when it gets too hot.

The third row suffers from a low-mounted third-row seat cushion but legroom and headroom are adequate for the class and passengers have to sit back here geet cupholders and power.

Cargo Space

Being a big, boxy three-row SUV it offers a ton of cargo space and once you drop the seats a very flat loading area.  There are 20.1 cubic feet behind the 3rd row, 57.4 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97 cubic feet with all seats flat.  The third row is powered, operated by 2 switches, and in one smooth movement the seats drop and the headrests fold just before they hit the second-row seat backs.

Pricing

Base prices start at $76,700 for this plug-in model and my tester had several options including a 120v/1,500 watt power outlet ($560), Cold Area Package –  Windshield Wiper Dicer ($100), Convenience Package ($895) which includes Traffic Jam Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert. It also had optioned the Tech Package ($2,380) which includes a Panoramic View Monitor, Advanced Park with Remote Park, a Digital Rear View Mirror, and a Head-up Display. Add some wheel locks a cargo mat and delivery and the price rises to $82,220. 

Safety

Lexus offers its latest LSS +3 system which includes, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre with Pedestrian Detection-Collision, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection Braking, Right & Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection & Braking, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management and Intelligent High Beams.

VIDEO REVIEW

Verdict

I’ll be honest I wasn’t expecting the TX to be as good as it was, it completely nails the formula of what a three-row SUV should be in, it has tons of space, it’s very well-made, and has a very luxurious interior with the right level of tech and is decently quick. It also does a good job on truck trails. What more could you ask for?

2024 Lexus TX 550h+ Numbers

BASE PRICE: $68,730
PRICE AS TESTED: $75,930
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.5 VL V6 engine with DIRECT4.
ELECTRIC MOTOR: Two-motor transaxle 
COMBINED POWER: 404 hp
TRANSMISSION: Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable
BATTERY: 18.1-kWh lithium-ion
EV RANGE: 33 Miles
0-60 MPH: 5.6 sec
CURB WEIGHT: 5,400
CARGO CAPACITY: 20.1 ft³ behind 3rd row, 57.4 cubic feet with 3rd row folded, 97 cubic feet with 2nd row folded  
FUEL ECONOMY: 29 mpg hybrid combined and 76 mpge electric
EV RANGE: 37 MILES
OUR OBSERVED: 36.1 mpg
PROS: Super smooth, beautiful interior, tons of space
CONS: Could use more physical buttons