By: Special Contributor Kimatni D. Rawlins
You may have seen the popular Lexus TX social media ads and commercials, including the former Green Bay Packer Linebacker Clay Matthews’ spot dubbed “Everybody Wins” as he escorts a group of fanatics to Lambeau Field with 50-yard line game tickets. How nice would that be? But in my case, I would need Philadelphia Eagles tickets to a home game at Lincoln Financial Field on a sunny Sunday afternoon, where I would situate the three-row luxury Lexus SUV in VIP parking. That means I could invite my crew of five since we prefer the second-row captain chairs that are standard on the hybrid models.
The new TX is a longer spin on the RX but does not slope downward in the rear, allowing more comfort for third-row passengers. Lexus is targeting Gen Y families with two-plus kids for its refreshing new utility vehicle. Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana, every model receives the standard 14” multimedia display, an array of standard safety features, 5,000-lb towing capacity, up to seven USB-c ports, and at least 20″ wheels. And unlike many three-row SUVs, the TX features more than enough space in the cargo area for luggage and supplies. Expect 97 cubic-feet of total cargo capacity and 20.2 cubic-feet behind the third-row bench. For entering and exiting the vehicle from the third row, the middle seat tilts and slides forward by pulling a latch.
Lexus powers the TX with available DIRECT4 AWD and three engine choices based on trim level including the TX 350 with 275-horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, turbocharged 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, and 8-speed automatic transmission pairing, which I found engaging yet silky smooth. The TX 550h+ Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) receives a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a lithium-ion battery pack, and AWD for 404 net combined horsepower. The PHEV can also sail for 33 all-electric miles. Steering, suspension inputs, and added power provide a smooth and compliant ride in this package.
Saving the best for the last, the impressive TX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD is enhanced with 366 net combined horsepower and 409 pound-feet of torque from its 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and high-torque electric motors. The added performance commingles with a sportier front fascia, 22” alloy wheels, Dynamic Rear Steering, and an Adaptive Variable Suspension for a more thrilling drive.
The TX design theme focuses on a more dynamic profile, which Lexus calls “Aerodynamic Performance.” Other aerodynamic elements include airflow-regulating grille shutters, a roof spoiler, and rear combination lamps. You can purchase your TX in six hues including Wind Chill Pearl, Cloudburst Gray, Celestial Silver Metallic, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nightfall Mica. The F-SPORT Performance trim adds Incognito and subtracts Cloudburst Gray and Matador Red Mica.
Inside, the TX features loads of luxury and technology. The new 14” Lexus Interface touchscreen display is your nucleus for Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto; and the upgraded 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system is clean sounding and very powerful.
The Remote Connect Lexus app can be used for remote engine starts, door unlocking, service scheduling, and receiving vehicle health reports. Cloud Navigation and Google integration provide useful points of data for more accurate navigation. Selectable drive modes (Normal, ECO, Sport, Custom) are integrated within the Lexus Interface. Overhead, a full panoramic two-row glass sunroof lends an to an airy cabin environment.
NuLuxe synthetic leather seat trim is standard on Premium and F SPORT Performance Premium grades; smooth, leather-trimmed seating is aligned with the F SPORT Performance Luxury; and semi-aniline leather trim covers the Luxury grades for TX 350 and TX 550h. A Panoramic View Monitor, Wireless Charger, Digital Key, Digital Mirror, and Head-Up Display are available through specific upgrade packages.
Of course, safety is always at the top of the mind for Lexus engineers. So, the TX is packaged with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System + 3.03 along with All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist that reduces accidents by preventing the doors from opening into the path of approaching vehicles or cyclists. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, Road Side Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist are additional, useful, safety features.
Offered in five trims: Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury, MSRP pricing (including a $1,350 Destination and Handling fee) ranges from $55,050 to $72,650 depending on trim.
