2025 Lexus GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The TX's design was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's styling. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, excluding the TX 550h+, which was expected to start over $75,000. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The test vehicle, priced at $67,869, featured FWD and Luxury trim, along with various packages and a dark Peppercorn interior, which felt somewhat too dark despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look compared to its predecessor. Its shape echoed the boxy, classic Land Rover style, with a bold front accented by LED headlights and a prominent grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, rock rails, and a distinctive Earth brown color. Inside, the GX offered a clean and elegant design with quality switchgear and chic dashboard and door trim. The front and rear seats provided ample headroom, even for tall drivers, and the head-up display was adjustable for perfect visibility. The seats, made of stitched black and tan faux leather, included heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, aided by tall windows and the Overtrail+ model's elevated ride height. The GX's interior and exterior design combined luxury with rugged capability, making it a standout in its class.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), offering adequate performance for typical driving situations. The engine's torque provided a sense of quickness, though the engine note and torque steer with FWD could be irritating. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg combined, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque through a full-time 4WD system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power throughout the rev range, making highway merges effortless. However, the transmission occasionally lagged in selecting the right gear. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, with a test average of 14.9 mpg. Despite its weight, the GX handled well around town, with a quick-off-the-line demeanor and a chassis that felt more athletic than expected. The ride quality was good, though the rear axle exhibited some jiggliness. Off-road, the GX excelled, with features like low gear range, center differential lock, and downhill assist control, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable and luxurious interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better comfort than previous models. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2025 Lexus GX provided a spacious interior, accommodating tall passengers with generous headroom and legroom. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim, without a third row, offered 90.5 cubic feet of space. The GX's towing capacity was 9,063 pounds, enhancing its versatility for adventure and camping. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The TX also provided free subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with haptic feedback and smooth operation. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, an optional upgrade, offered good audio quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds. The GX provided multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with variations between trims. The Overtrail trims had fewer ports but offered ample storage space.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 was effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Lexus GX also featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The system operated smoothly, even on winding roads. The GX included a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras, enhancing visibility. While not yet rated by safety organizations, the GX was equipped with 10 airbags for occupant protection.