Today I bring you what is clearly a success story for Lexus, the family-friendly 3-row TX. Introduced just two years ago as a 2024 model, it's resonated with buyers looking for a larger family SUV with a more car-like experience than that of the truck-based GX and LX. Total sales of the TX are up roughly 8 percent so far this year over last - with sales nearly double that of the GX and let's just say the LX trails in the dust to both.
Only minor changes arrive for the TX's upcoming 2027 model year - but note Lexus will discontinue the TX 550h+ Plug-In Hybrid for 2027, so if you're interested in the PHEV variant, the time to act is now.
My 2027 TX 500h F Sport Performance Luxury in Celestial Silver is pretty subtle all-in-all in terms of looks even with its styling, which includes large 22-inch F Sport wheels with a Gloss Black and Gray finish, (definitely worth the $99 wheel locks.)
It also wears an exclusive F Sport styled front facia with a satin silver front bumper molding, rear valance, black roof rails, dark chrome window trim surround, and power folding black outside mirrors. Up front, BI-LED headlights and LED foglights light the way.
The squared off back end features a tail length LED light bar and LEXUS lettering.
The difference between the hybrid and non-hybrid TX 350 is significant when it comes to power. The TX 500h's 2.4-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors delivers 366-horses and 409 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is fantastic. (The non hybrid TX 350 F Sport engine delivers 275 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque which felt underpowered to me off-the-line.) The powertrain is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It's also important to point out that even though it has more power than the non-hybrid, the hybrid achieves better fuel economy. The F Sport also nets important performance upgrades including performance dampers and dynamic rear steering.
Interior
Lexus delivers its hallmark craftsmanship and quality in the TX's 6-seat interior. It's not overly luxurious but upscale with a mix of premium materials that includes black grained wood trim and an abundance of soft-touch materials and impeccable stitching.
Two-toned F Sport badged leather-trimmed heated and ventilated power front seats with enhanced side bolstering are well-designed and very comfortable. Additional F Sport Handling features include an F Sport leather-trimmed steering wheel, F Sport aluminum pedals and door scuff plates.
A 12.3-inch digital driver display is standard as is a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with Lexus' last-generation system that features 'Hey Lexus' voice command, navigation, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll also control the drive modes in the touchscreen interface. Beneath the screen, large dials in the center stack control the temperature. You can also ask Hey Lexus to change it for you.
A large center console has plenty of room for the leather gear-shift knob and two large, removable cupholders. A cushiony center console bin opens from both sides. Technology includes three USB ports and a single wireless charger for the front row - and two USB-Cs for both the second and third rows.
Heated and ventilated captain's chairs greet second-row passengers. Soft-touch seat backs feature pockets and digital A/C controls along with manual sunshades on the windows help keep occupants cool. There's a removable center console between the two captain's chairs, with you guessed it, two more removable cupholders.
A panoramic sunroof is standard on the F Sport Performance Luxury as is an outstanding 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium sound system. The F Sport Performance Luxury is also the only model with standard thematic cabin lighting and a digital rearview mirror.
A big selling point of the TX is of course its third row - the reason for its existence in the first place. The 50/50 split power-folding, power-recline seats comfortably fit adults and not only is there great leg and headroom - but great window real estate.
Cargo space is also a highlight of the TX - there is plenty of it, 20.2 cubic-feet of space behind the third row to be exact.
With the third row folded flat and the two captains chairs forward, I was able to transport five Corokitty winter cat shelters in the back. The Carpet Cargo Mat and Rear Hatch Cargo Lamps in my review vehicle are optional and add to the MSRP. A power liftgate is standard.
The TX F Sport Performance isn't what I'd consider a high-performance SUV but it does deliver some great driving dynamics, especially for a larger SUV. Acceleration feels good, and certainly much better than the non-hybrid. The ride is smooth and quiet, and its F Sport tuned suspension aids in terrific handling and control. I enjoyed the steering that's on the tighter side especially in Sport Mode. Large brakes do their job well in stopping this roughly 5,000 pound SUV. Overall this is an enjoyable large SUV to drive around town.
Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across the lineup, as well as Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic alert along with Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking. Digital door latches feature safe exit assist.
An optional Technology Package adds a great head up display and Advanced Park with Remote Park.
Options include a 120V/1500-watt power outlet ($560), Convenience Package ($895), Technology Package ($2,380), Activity Mount ($990), Carpet Cargo Mat ($150), Logo Side Lamp Puddle Lights ($175), Wheel Locks ($99), Rear Hatch Cargo Lamps ($399) and Cross Bars ($420). This adds up to just shy of $81,000 as equipped.
Verdict
The TX clearly fits a need as its sales can attest. It's ride and drive is easy to appreciate, as is its 366-horsepower, and Lexus fans will approve of its interior build quality and the convenience of power third-row seats. The TX 500h will keep the entire family comfortable for the journey whether it's a commute to the school carpool lane or a trip to see relatives for the holidays.