2025 Lexus RX Hybrid 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, adorned with Luxury trim, featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the automaker's bolder aesthetics. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, and with additional packages, the MSRP reached $67,869. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn color scheme, felt luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured an exclusive Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design remained unremarkable, with a large front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup included the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+ models, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model with 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered an electric-only range of 37 miles. All models came with standard AWD, and the RX 500h featured sport-tuned suspension and performance brakes. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and baffling. The RX's design was more about straight-line acceleration than dynamic capability, with a quiet freeway ride but less rewarding handling on twisty roads.

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. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds, or 7.8 seconds with AWD. The engine's performance was adequate for typical driving, though the engine note was grating, and FWD models experienced torque steer. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and better 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 highways, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying performance. The RX 350h, the least powerful, had a hybrid powertrain with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque, achieving 36 mpg. The RX 450h+ PHEV, with 304 hp, accelerated to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and offered 37 miles of electric-only range. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph 1.5 seconds faster than the RX 350h but with lower fuel economy at 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, performance brakes, and a dynamic rear-wheel steering system. Despite its power, the RX 500h averaged only 20.9 mpg during testing, lower than the EPA's estimate. The RX 500h's drivetrain was quick but occasionally hesitated in city driving. The adaptive suspension provided a firm ride, but the SUV's handling lacked communication, making it less rewarding to drive enthusiastically.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a more habitable third-row seat, suitable for adults, unlike the cramped RX L. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium leather and suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat provided leg support and a good view, though sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions were uncomfortable after extended periods. The automatic climate system's fan was loud, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat. The rear seats were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, providing ample room for adults. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding the second row created 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, which was limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the unmarked dual-purpose steering wheel controls were distracting, especially when wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the TX included 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with high-tech features, though some expected items were optional. The RX 500h had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and unlabeled steering wheel controls, which were distracting and potentially dangerous. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, volume knob, and climate control dials. It included a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX also offered Wi-Fi Connect and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, though steering wheel controls were frustrating to use.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance but was not transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, which worked well at low speeds but lacked higher-speed hands-free driving.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 was standard, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also had blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Predictive Driving Assist was mostly agreeable, and the optional Convenience Package included a surround-view camera. LSS+ 3.0 worked well, though lane-change assist was slow, and adjusting cruise control settings with steering wheel controls was frustrating. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS in frontal-impact tests.