Lexus is a little late to the three-row SUV battle. In 2018, they sold a larger version of the RX, called the RXL. Since that was discontinued, the only vehicles with three rows were the Lexus LX600 and Lexus GX460. Now, Lexus has an SUV based on the excellent Toyota Grand Highlander. With the 2024 Lexus TX350, consumers finally have another premium three-row crossover. How does it compare to others and is it just a fancier Grand Highlander?
Like other Lexus vehicles, the TX350 has a large spindle black grille and LED lights. Below are fake and functional vents. This TX350 was painted in Night Fall Mica blue with silver 22-inch multi-spoke wheels. On the side, the TX350 looks a little bland, although there is chrome trim. Door handles utilize Lexus is spelled out on the lightblade and the TX350 badge. Thankfully, there are no fake exhausts.
The interior trim for this TX350 was semi-aniline leather-trimmed seating and Black Grained trim. Quality materials are high with plenty of soft-touch materials. These seats are heated and ventilated and the second row can be optioned with heated second row captain’s chairs. These are quite comfortable and have plenty of space. Power-folding third-row seats are exclusive to the TX compared to the Grand Highlander. In front of the driver is a steering wheel with controls for media and an optional head-up display in the Technology Package. This package also includes a 12.3-inch multi-information display, 360-degree camera, digital rearview mirror, and advanced parking.
Lexus integrates climate control in their large 14-inch display, but it’s quite simple to use. That’s the same for the rest of the infotainment system. The TX350 comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is provided by an optional 21-speak Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround sound which is one of the best on the market. Drive modes are on the touchscreen which is a little odd. The TX has the Lexus’ small shifter with a park button. I was surprised with the silver trim near the center console since it felt quite cheap. A panoramic roof is standard along with manual window shades. It is a comfortable and usable interior with plenty of space and USB-C ports.
Powering the TX350 is a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft. Mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the TX350 gets from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds. Shifts are smooth and responsive, but the engine can be a little loud at wide-open throttle. If that time isn’t quick enough for you, there are hybrid and plug-in versions of the TX which are quicker. That said, I never thought I needed more power. There are several drive modes including eco, sport, normal, and individual. Eco is too sluggish and sport doesn’t fit this large family crossover. I received 20 MPG combined, two less than the EPA’s 23 MPG combined.
While driving, I found using the digital rearview mirror simple to use. Since the touchscreen is so big, it can be a stretch to touch the other side of it. The TX350 comes with many safety features including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, emergency braking, and lane keep assist. These are not too intrusive, but the drowsiness monitoring function kept telling me to look straight ahead. Nonetheless, the TX350 has a comfortable ride.
Pricing for the 2024 Lexus TX350 AWD starts at $61,200. Those large 22-inch wheels cost $2,140 and the Technology Package comes in at $2,150. The Mark Levinson sound system is $1,160 and the six-seat set-up is $680. With everything combined, this TX 350 came in at $69,575. I would look at the TX 350 which comes in around $4,000 less but comes with most of the features the Luxury has.
Competitors may have more power, but that isn’t the point of this large three-row crossover. It’s a luxury vehicle that has a lot of space and great technology. While the exterior isn’t too exciting, the interior has great Lexus build quality and is comfortable. This may be the fancier version of the Toyota Grand Highlander, but Lexus did a good job transforming it into the TX. Looks like the three-row luxury crossover market has a strong candidate.
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