If Lexus’ plan was to build the ultimate three-row luxury crossover without reinventing the wheel, the 2026 TX largely succeeds. It’s a vehicle with the classic Lexus priorities (comfort and refinement), but also a practical mindset that will leave some Lexus fans confused about interior design.
The TX comes to market in a broad lineup of trims and powertrains. Base models (TX 350) run a 2.4-liter turbo four making about 275 hp, while hybrid variants (TX 500h) expand the appeal with up to roughly 404 hp and a plug-in hybrid (TX 550h+) that Lexus says can travel roughly 33 miles on electric power alone. There’s plenty of torque and real-world flexibility here, but this is no sports-car-minded SUV; it’s composed and assured, rather than exhilarating.
Ride quality and refinement are stout points. Lexus’ GA-K platform (shared with the very similar Toyota Grand Highlander) and attention to noise and vibration reduction aim for the serene, composed cruising that luxury SUV buyers expect. The suspension is compliant, and steering is predictable, though it never feels particularly alive or engaging.
Inside, the TX delivers the sort of calm, high-tech ambiance Toyota’s luxury brand has become known for. The 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen is crisp and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. There’s an honest abundance of USB-C ports and thoughtful touches like modular cupholders and a removable second-row console. The small luxuries that matter on long trips. The interior is surprisingly open and ergonomically fluid. Something Lexus fans may find unusual, as most Lexus models sport and ensconced, cocoon-like feeling by comparison.
Passenger space, in particular, is a highlight thanks to this more open cabin. With up to 97 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and generous rear legroom, the TX feels less like a compromise and more like a true three-row vehicle rather than a third-row afterthought as with the brand’s truck-based SUVs.
Compared with class rivals, the TX is a safe cruiser rather than an engaging driver’s vehicle. Acceleration in base form is adequate but not thrilling (0–60 mph in the neighborhood of ~7.1 seconds). And even the hybrids, while quicker, are more smooth than sporty. These aren’t necessarily downsides, as not every luxury buyer is looking for speed and thrills. Sometimes comfort is the ultimate goal.
The 2026 Lexus TX is at its best when considered on its own terms. It’s a comfortable, refined seven-seat cruiser with a serene cabin and generous cargo room. This is a family-oriented luxury SUV that prioritizes usability and tech over sharp driving dynamics. And its plug-in hybrid package that finally gives Lexus a solid electric-capable offering in this segment.
This review originally published on DriveModeShow.com.
