2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was a blend of subtlety and sportiness. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch alloy wheels, maintained a low profile, lacking any overt hybrid identifiers. This understated elegance was contrasted by the RX 500h F Sport Performance, which stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling cues. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not universally praised, with its front-heavy appearance and signature rear roof pillar design making it seem smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, complemented by luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior with artificial suede in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more conservative design, appealing to those who found previous Lexus models too bold. The TX 350 Executive package featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The TX's styling was more subdued, which might have attracted buyers who preferred a less flashy look. Inside, the TX 350 offered a choice between a 7-seat or 6-seat configuration with the Executive package, featuring premium semi-aniline leather and a dark Peppercorn interior. While the cabin was luxurious, the dark tones could feel oppressive, even with the panoramic sunroof. The TX's interior was spacious, with a habitable third-row seat, a significant improvement over previous Lexus three-row SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving a combined fuel economy of 6.5 L/100 km. It accelerated to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds, making it a more efficient choice than its predecessor. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, delivered a more exhilarating drive with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, producing 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It reached 100 km/h in around 6 seconds but consumed more fuel at 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering enhanced its dynamic capabilities, making it a joy to drive, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations during spirited driving.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, offering adequate performance for a midsize luxury SUV. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km, likely due to its U.S. specification with front-wheel drive. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. While the brake pedal felt soft, it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort and practicality. The RX 350h Luxury trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats with premium leather, offering excellent comfort. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters, providing a sportier feel. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat improved leg support but compromised headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 offered a spacious interior with premium materials, though the front seats lacked a massage function. The second-row seat was less comfortable due to its flat cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults, a notable improvement. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the seats folded. With the second-row seats down, the TX offered an impressive 2,746 litres of cargo space, surpassing most competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, which required subscription services for full functionality. It featured a cloud-based navigation system and a digital voice assistant, though the system had some quirks, such as limited screen views and reflection issues. The RX also offered a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were a source of frustration, especially for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system also offered Proactive Driving Assist, which helped maintain a safe following distance. However, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed, hands-free driving.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist was included, though it was not always transparent in operation. The TX also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional features like front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist. The system generally performed well, though it could be overly cautious in certain situations.