Lexus TX vs Honda Prologue

The 2024 Lexus TX had borrowed its base from the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxurious SUV convincingly. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which looked like a bulked-up RAV4, the Lexus TX projected an upscale image. The Luxury trim test model featured stunning 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that greatly enhanced the SUV's appearance and presence.

The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models. This conservative design bordered on anonymous, but if previous Lexus designs had been off-putting, the TX might have struck a balanced appeal. The TX model lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and the TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. However, Lexus hadn't yet released the TX 550h+, which was anticipated to start at over $75,000 including the $1,350 destination charge.

We opted to test the TX 350, anticipating it would be the volume seller. It came in a base specification, with optional Premium or Luxury trims. The TX 350 featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test vehicle, with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 including the destination charge. Adding the Convenience Package, Technology Package, a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps brought the MSRP to $67,869.

The Luxury trim added premium features like upgraded ambient interior lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim. However, the Peppercorn interior—a dark brown almost indistinguishable from black—combined with black-grained trim made the cabin feel too dark despite the panoramic glass sunroof.

In contrast, the 2024 Honda Prologue had one of the most "normal" appearances among electric vehicles (EVs) by then. The base EX trim offered five color options, while the Touring and Elite trims added Sonic Grey and introduced the eye-catching "North Shore Pearl" turquoise. This color might have been the most striking design detail of the Prologue, which otherwise could slip under the radar in any other shade. The front end showcased a traditional Honda "H" logo centered on a smooth black panel, indicative of the lack of air-cooling needs.

Personalization options included accessories like skid plates and side cladding, which could give the Prologue a more rugged look. From the side, the Prologue appeared low due to its length—it was 3 inches longer than the Honda Passport but 8 inches shorter in height. The design evoked a cartoon gangster's car more than an off-road SUV, accentuated by its large wheels—19-inch standard and 21-inch on the Elite trim. The new font spelling "Honda" across the back signified the brand's venture into new propulsion methods.

Inside, the Elite trim tester offered a brown and black color scheme exclusive to the top trim, while a gray and black two-tone interior was available on all trims. The EX had cloth seating surfaces, while Touring and Elite trims featured leather. The dashboard layout was similar to other revamped Honda models like the CR-V, Accord, and Civic, minus the hidden air vents behind a honeycomb grille. Instead, piano black plastic was used, topped by upholstery material that spanned the dash and doors. The Prologue's interior offered a familiar yet slightly upscale feel.

The Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, an unlikely choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV. Nevertheless, it delivered adequately for typical driving with up to four occupants. The engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, allowing the TX 350 to accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). Despite the engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD, the performance felt better than expected, though not exceptional.

The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg combined—barely better than the previous three-row Lexus RX L's 22 mpg combined from a 3.5-liter V6. However, in our tests, the TX 350 FWD averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, adding $1,600 to the cost, slightly improved acceleration but decreased city and highway fuel economy without changing the combined rating. AWD offered better traction in adverse conditions and mitigated torque steer.

The TX 350's ride and handling struck a balance with a suspension firm enough to provide road feel but compliant enough for comfort. Body motion control was commendable, and the steering was accurate and responsive. The interior remained quiet on highways, though the brake pedal of our pre-production test vehicle felt too soft but was manageable.

The Honda Prologue offered both FWD and AWD options. The FWD configuration featured a single motor producing 212 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, available on EX and Touring trims. Paired with 19-inch wheels, it achieved an impressive 296-mile range—the best in its class. The AWD system, standard on the Elite trim and optional on EX and Touring, featured a dual-motor setup combining for 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. With the Elite’s 21-inch wheels, this setup offered a 273-mile range, or 281 miles with 19-inch wheels on other trims.

Among competitors, the Prologue's 296-mile base range was best-in-class, though rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model Y offered longer-range versions. Honda emphasized delivering familiar driving dynamics, successfully making the Prologue feel like a typical Honda. The regenerative braking system offered minimal extra deceleration in "Normal" mode, allowing for coasting. A one-pedal drive setting was available, offering a standard EV braking experience, while the lowest setting mimicked a conventional driving feel.

The Prologue’s 121.8-inch wheelbase, the longest in its class, ensured a comfortable ride even on larger wheels. While the cabin wasn’t exceptionally quiet at highway speeds, the driving experience felt normal and familiar. Throttle, brake, and steering response could be quickened in Sport mode, and the Prologue proved surprisingly fun to drive on winding roads.

Previous Lexus three-row SUVs often fell short, with models like the GX and LX being better suited for off-roading, thus compromising on-road driving dynamics. The RX L was too small, with a third-row seat fit for children only. The 2024 Lexus TX addressed these issues effectively.

Our TX 350 Luxury had premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats lacked a massage function, but finding a comfortable driving position was easy. The second-row bench seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, though the triple-zone climate control, dual USB ports, and manual window shades were appreciated.

The third-row seat stood out for being genuinely habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX. Sliding the second-row seat forward slightly provided adequate space in the third row, though second-row comfort was slightly compromised. The TX’s multiple storage options lacked linings, which could contribute to noise, and its split front center armrest had a narrow opening. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet when folded, and up to 97 cubic feet with both rows down.

The Honda Prologue featured traditional door handles for ease of use. The cabin offered 111.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, a significant edge over the Cadillac Lyriq, primarily felt in legroom—39.4 inches in the second row and 41.4 inches up front. Headroom was less impressive at 39.6 inches front and 38.1 inches rear, though reclinable rear seats and a panoramic moonroof (standard on Touring and Elite trims) helped.

Standard features included heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, with higher trims adding driver’s seat memory, front seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Touring and Elite trims had a hands-free power liftgate accessing a 25.2-cubic-foot cargo area with a flat load floor, easily extendable to 57.7 cubic feet with the back seats down. A low storage compartment beneath the load floor offered additional space, though the Prologue lacked a front trunk.

Comparatively, the TX had slightly less cargo space at 20.2 to 97 cubic feet, while the Prologue offered 25.2 to 57.7 cubic feet. The TX was roomier overall, given its larger expanded cargo capacity.

Our Lexus TX test vehicle included the optional Technology Package, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, this upgrade replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with dual-purpose unmarked ones, forcing drivers to rely on the head-up display that could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.

Apart from this, the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen and a three-year free Drive Connect subscription was user-friendly. Drive Connect provided cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional subscriptions included 10-year free Service Connect and Safety Connect services, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect.

The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality, worth the upgrade for music enthusiasts.

The Honda Prologue's keyless access included a proximity key fob for EX and Touring, while the Elite trim introduced a card-format key, usable like a hotel room key. A standard wireless charger (pocket-style) and four USB-C ports facilitated device charging. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ran through an 11.3-inch touchscreen, with an 11-inch digital driver display and an optional head-up display (Elite only).

Google Built-In, standard on the Prologue, included Google Maps with route-planning and EV charger location features. The Touring and Elite trims featured a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, enhanced by Active Sound Control. This system added artificial sounds for actions like acceleration, especially in Sport mode, enriching the driving experience.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping and centering assistance, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.

LSS+ 3.0 also included Proactive Drive Assist for maintaining safe distances and obstacle avoidance, though it wasn't seamless or transparent. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist were standard, with optional front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. Traffic jam assist enabled hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways but wasn’t available at higher speeds. Overall, these systems worked effectively, except when sudden lane changes caused dramatic deceleration.

The Honda Prologue featured the standard Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, including newly added rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist. Higher trims included front-park assist (excluding EX), surround-vision system, and rear pedestrian alert (Elite only).

Other standard features were automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. While the Prologue had yet to be rated by IIHS or NHTSA, Honda aimed for Top Safety Pick+ and five-star overall ratings, respectively.