Lexus RX vs 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, an option that significantly enhanced its visual appeal. The TX's design was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in 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, offered base, Premium, or Luxury trims, with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and an MSRP of $67,869, including destination charges. The Luxury trim added premium interior features, though the dark Peppercorn interior felt too dim, even with a panoramic sunroof. Despite this, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RX, following a redesign, presented a mixed bag in terms of styling. The front end was dominated by an oversized trapezoidal grille, flanked by large air inlets, which appeared awkward, especially in lighter colors. The hood's large bump added to the bulky appearance, deviating from the sleek RX models of the past. The sides featured bulging body panels, and a swooping chrome accent strip suggested a floating-roof design, which seemed out of place. The rear end, however, received a tidier design with a single light strip connecting the taillights. Inside, the RX's interior was less polarizing, with a conventional layout and design. The top Luxury trim included faux suede inserts, a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, and neatly organized climate controls. The wide center console featured a simulated woodgrain that felt and looked like plastic, contrasting with the genuine wood inlays on the steering wheel. Despite these inconsistencies, the cabin was covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, providing a sturdy construction.

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. Despite initial skepticism about this engine in a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately for typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the old RX L with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. During testing, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions, likely eliminating torque steer. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road surface feedback and ride 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 test car, it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the base RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available with FWD or AWD. The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, making 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with a CVT and standard AWD. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-liter inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The new RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid added an 18.1-kWh battery pack, increasing power output to 304 hp and offering up to 37 miles of electric-only range. The RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered compared to other luxury SUVs, with the hybrid's CVT keeping engine revs high. The RX 450h+ reached 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, feeling more responsive with immediate electric propulsion. The brake pedal was appropriately soft, and the suspension was tuned for comfort, smoothing over road imperfections but resulting in noticeable body roll and residual rebounds. The F Sport Handling trim offered sharper performance, but the RX's main mission was comfort, which it achieved with ease.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX were off-road oriented, compromising on-road dynamics and affordability, while the RX L was too small for adult third-row seating. The TX resolved these issues, offering a more spacious and affordable option. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they were supportive, and the power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel was comfortable. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, met segment expectations with triple-zone climate control, USB ports, and manual side window shades. The TX's third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort reduced second-row legroom. The TX provided numerous storage options, though many 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 the second row down, surpassing other Lexus SUVs and competitors.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered ample front seat space with power adjustments, making it easy to find a preferred seating position. Heating was standard on all RX models, with ventilation included on all but the base trim. A massage function was unavailable, but the front seats remained comfortable for long trips. The Premium trim included a rubberized wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, additional USB ports, and cupholders with a drop-down surface for taller containers. The rear seats provided enough space for average-sized adults, with good legroom and elevated seating for visibility. Manual sunshades offered privacy, and rear climate controls and USB ports were standard. The RX's cargo space measured up to 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, smaller than competitors, with a slightly taller load floor. Folding the second-row seat backs expanded capacity to 46.2 cubic feet, with one-touch power-folding buttons on the top Luxury trim. All trims featured a power liftgate, with hands-free operation available as an option.

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 package replaced properly marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with easy connectivity and switching between systems. The TX also offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, providing features like automatic collision notification and a stolen vehicle locator. Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect added a Wi-Fi hotspot and app-based remote access. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its redesign, replaced the frustrating trackpad infotainment controller with a more conventional touchscreen system. Lower trims featured a 9.8-inch display, while higher trims had a 14-inch screen. The system offered logical on-screen menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses, with natural speech command capability. The steering wheel had two multi-function pads, with phone and music controls on the left and cruise control buttons on the right. A diagram appeared in the head-up display when touching the pads, aiding usability. All RX trims included a cloud-based navigation system, though it sometimes faced connectivity issues and required a subscription after a two-year free trial. A Wi-Fi hotspot and remote monitoring via a smartphone app were also part of this trial. Most owners likely preferred Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both wireless and reliable. The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system offered powerful bass and clear highs, providing a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, 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, offered braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent in operation. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist, which provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed smoothly and accurately, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.

The 2024 Lexus RX received five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The FWD RX 350 was rated four stars for overall protection. The IIHS awarded the RX its highest score of "Good" in most crashworthiness evaluations, except for the new moderate frontal overlap test, where it received a "Poor" rating. Despite this, the RX was named a Top Safety Pick. All RX models featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear passenger safe-exit system. The Premium trim added parking proximity sensors, while the top Luxury trim included a head-up display. Additional features included a digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera system, semi-automated parking system, and highway driving assist. Some features were conservatively tuned, resulting in unnecessary warnings, but they could be adjusted or disabled. The safety systems generally functioned as intended, though parking maneuvers could trigger excessive alerts.