The new Lexus TX three-row crossover offers seating for six (or seven) adults and provides enough cargo space for a weekend family road trip. The most notable part is that it maintains the level of refinement long expected from the brand – even on performance-minded F Sport models, such as this example. Despite being the new kid in the showroom, the TX never strays far from what is familiar or expected.
The large Lexus-signature spindle grille continues to provide a striking first (and many thereafter) impression. The crossbars extend cleanly beyond the grille opening and meld in with the rest of the front fascia, where sharp LED daytime running lights help raise the front end height to enable a long hood. It’s one key aspect of achieving a balanced three-box SUV design; however, the short dash-to-front axle distance reveals its likely forward-bias weight (not ideal).
The extended front overhang and weighty rear third of the side profile also prevent it from looking like a natural athlete, but its crisp lines along the large panels (and the impressive design of the wheels) help achieve visual interest without compromising cabin space.
The TX adopts the brand’s interior design theme, which means gloss-black interior trim, a large center touchscreen, and a digital gauge cluster. Its overall design and execution are rather straightforward, not leaving much for it to feel special. The same can be said, unfortunately, of the Mark Levinson sound system, which was unimpressive compared to others in its class.
The large crossover succeeds in its primary design target: providing three rows of seats with sufficient room for most adults. Add in the Lexus treatment – smooth synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory positioning, a large panoramic sunroof, and plenty of sound insulation – and the TX easily distances itself from its platform-mate, the Toyota Grand Highlander, while still avoiding Mercedes-Benz or BMW pricing territory.
Where the TX took risks, it wasn’t always entirely successful. Consider the electronic door latches. It worked out well on the exterior, where the TX wears a fixed handle with a button, and there is now no wasted motion and no delay in unlatching. Plus, it’s likely a boon for engineers to package window motors and structural beams inside the door panel, as well. The interior is less successful. Its “handle” is a button as well; however, it’s placed in a way that requires an awkward and uncomfortable twist of the wrist to operate.
Cargo space is as promised: generous. And that is even with the third row occupied. The split-folding rear-most row provides even greater flexibility; however, its (unnecessarily) motorized motion is incredibly slow… like, plan-ahead slow.
The TX 350’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine contributes to the large crossover’s Lexus-level of refinement. Its noises and vibrations rarely intrude into the cabin or are even detected by passersby. There is some detectable lag when trying to spring ahead from a stop; however, in most traffic situations, its acceleration feels natural, and its strong mid-RPM torque is enough for most passing situations. The well-calibrated transmission also deserves credit as it delivers quick and confident shifts through its eight forward gears, routing power to the mechanical all-wheel drive system. TX offers a hybrid version (designated 500h) and plug-in hybrid model (500h+) that add performance and efficiency. That said, this “350” powertrain is quite good.
After spending a week with the TX 350 F Sport Handling (provided to Pilgrim Motor Press at no cost), the new Lexus demonstrated that it kept its performance targets rather close to the brand’s core MO: providing a premium experience in terms of being easy to drive and offering the latest safety and infotainment tech. The TX adds the luxury of added space and opens the brand to a new segment of customers, where it is bound to find success as it finally has the vehicle it needs. However, the TX feels too uninspired to be much more than that.