Lexus TX (US) review

There are plenty of TX variants to choose from, all with their own bundle of trims and options. The SUV starts at $55,050 for the FWD 350 and can go up to $78,050, which is the starting price for the 550h+ hybrid. That’s an undeniably steep point of entry for all the benefits of the hybrid.

If you go for this one there’ll be little to be mad about, as it comes with the premium leather materials, sunroof and everything great about the Lexus, including the technology package which is somehow still a $1,200 add-on otherwise.

However, our best advice is to skip the plug-in hybrid altogether: it looks compelling on paper, but it’s the worst TX to drive by a country mile and the efficiency gain isn’t worth what’ll surely be a pretty penny.

Perhaps the best compromise is the TX500h F Sport Performance Premium, which comes with the i4 engine and mild hybrid system, all-wheel drive and the adaptive suspension. It likely won’t be as blissful to ride in as the 550h+ but it sheds a few shekels off the bottom line.

What’s always looming in the TX’s shadow is of course the Toyota Highlander, ready to steal the Lexus’ thunder. Sure, it doesn’t have the V6 hybrid option, the more luxurious Lexus elements or the upscale exterior, but it does have plenty going for it. Both have an easy to access, usable third row and the Highlander also has a suite of safety and convenience tech. Its interior might not be as elegant but it has a similar interface which essentially functions the same. We’ll say the Lexus TX looks better but the current style of the Highlander isn’t half bad.