2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than its rivals. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture flowing into an elevated hood. The RX's exterior styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the sharply angled previous-generation model and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350, available in various trims, offered a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 275 horsepower. Canadian pricing started at $58,650, rising to $80,000 for the RX 500h, excluding additional charges.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with a more conservative design compared to other Lexus models. It featured upscale styling with 22-inch wheels on the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its appearance. The TX came in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive.

The TX 350's interior, equipped with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, provided a luxurious feel. It included heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering more space than previous Lexus models. The TX provided ample cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 2,746 litres with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. During testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of approximately 7.3 seconds, feeling quicker than expected. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered a more secure and sure-footed ride. Both models had 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, and the F Sport 3's adaptive suspension minimized unwanted bouncing and rolling. The RX 350 AWD's fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving, with test results showing 10.5 L/100 km and 10.8 L/100 km.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 also utilized a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed an acceleration time of roughly eight seconds to 100 km/h, with the SUV feeling quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's official fuel economy rating was 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L with a V6 engine. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a firm yet comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Executive featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX provided useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 838 litres available with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior. The TX 350 test unit included premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat, though not as welcoming, featured triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The third-row seat accommodated adults, providing better space than the old RX L and GX models. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Drive Connect, free for three years on certain models, offered cloud-based navigation and an Intelligent Assistant with natural voice recognition. The RX also provided digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key. A colour head-up display was available, though it could be difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen display, included Drive Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. LSS+ 3.0 proved impressive but had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and non-predictive curve-speed reduction technology.

The 2024 Lexus TX also featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was included, though it was not always smooth. The TX offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional features like front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.