AUSTIN, TX – Sure, arranging a take a look at drive of the ’24 Lexus TX right here begs an apparent play on the postal service abbreviation for Texas – and the way every thing is larger within the Lone Star State. However in actuality, the car is huge – TX stands for “three-row crossover” – and extra highly effective with a 3.5L V-6 plug-in hybrid powertrain possibility unique to Toyota’s premium model.
That top-of-the-line propulsion system highlights a day of driving each accessible powertrain provided within the TX, together with a bonus drive of the ’24 RX450h PHEV.
The TX, sibling of the 3-row Grand Highlander, arrives now in fuel and hybrid kinds within the TX 350 and TX 500h, respectively, adopted by the aforementioned PHEV within the TX 500h+ early subsequent yr. The TX and Grand Highlander are constructed on the identical TNGA-Okay platform at Toyota Motor Mfg., Indiana. The TX is the primary Lexus to be manufactured on the plant.
The TX 350, in front- or all-wheel-drive, shares its turbocharged 2.4L 4-cyl. and 8-speed computerized transmission with the Grand Highlander, though the Lexus-tuned engine produces 275 hp and 317 lb.-ft. (430 Nm) of torque, up from 265 hp and 310 lb.-ft. (420 Nm) within the Toyota.
The all-wheel-drive TX 500h employs the identical punchy hybrid system present in Grand Highlander Hybrid Max: a 2.4L turbocharged I-4 and 6-speed computerized gearbox paired with a rear-axle electrical motor-generator. Mixed output is 366 hp and 406 lb.-ft. (550 Nm) of torque, a number of horses and pound-feet above the Toyota utility.
Whereas each the TX 350 and TX 500h provide ample energy, and may tow as much as 5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg), the TX 500h+ really supplies a flagship driving expertise. The car’s 259-hp, 247-lb.-ft. (335 Nm) 3.5L V-6 (pictured, beneath) combines with entrance and rear electrical motors to punch out 404 hp. Complete torque isn’t specified, however the system supplies ample additional twist from its 179-hp, 199-lb.-ft. (270-Nm) entrance motor and 101-hp, 124-lb.-ft. (168-Nm) rear motor. The system propels the car from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.9 seconds.
In step with Lexus branding for refined propulsion, the 500h+ supplies loads of easy, confidence-inspiring energy that doesn’t intrude on the cabin. However the flagship mannequin provides plug-in energy able to as much as 33 miles (53 km) of pure, practically silent electrical vary at noticed speeds of as much as 70 mph (113 km/h).
Naohisa Hatta, chief engineer, attributes the graceful utility of torque to improved energy curves, partially due to make use of of premium gasoline throughout the engine lineup, but in addition by cautious administration of turbocharger enhance strain. We observe no sudden tip-in or surprising surges of energy, however quite a really Lexus-like refined utility of energy throughout the velocity vary.
In our drive, when not working in electric-drive mode, we observe gasoline financial system starting from 26-29 mpg (9-8.1 L/100 km), the latter matching the automaker’s estimate for mixed gasoline financial system. It’s important to notice that the range-topping propulsion system meets or exceeds gasoline effectivity in contrast with the powertrains within the TX 350 and TX 500h, neither of which profit from the electric-only vary within the 500h+.
We additionally expertise Proactive Driving Help that gives computerized braking on curves or when closing in on different automobiles, no matter whether or not adaptive cruise management is activated. Whereas energetic drivers might discover the system as intrusive, we are able to see the place the typical, considerably distracted driver will seemingly discover it useful and even able to stopping accidents in some cases, akin to whereas twiddling with the 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system or working with the detailed navigation display screen.
Different driver-assistance options embody full-range adaptive cruise management, Lane Tracing Help, Highway Signal Help and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help, all of which mix to maintain the car centered between the traces, working at site visitors velocity and conscious of velocity limits and different highway warnings.
The TX 350 and TX 500h are on sale now, with the front-drive TX 350 beginning at $55,050 and topping out at $62,550 for the Luxurious AWD mannequin, whereas the TX 500h begins at $69,350 and reaches $72,650 for the F Sport Efficiency Luxurious AWD version. Lexus contains $1,350 for freight and supply in all costs.
Pricing for the TX 500h+ will likely be accessible nearer to its on-sale date in early 2024.
Powertrains and pricing apart, we’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate the reasoning behind the TX, particularly that it supplies a 6- or 7-seat possibility with an adult-usable third row (pictured, beneath), together with cupholders and USB-C ports. Toyota and Lexus have made lesser makes an attempt over time to accommodate additional passengers and their gear. The TX really supplies a fairly comfy place to carry one other couple or a few youngsters, with out pinching anybody’s area.
