2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a striking departure from its predecessor, the 2023 GX 460, with its bold geometric styling. The redesigned midsize SUV featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving it a more aggressive front fascia. The squared-off front end and flat hood, with humps above each front wheel, enhanced the vehicle's off-road positional awareness. The GX's profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for improved visibility. The new GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages: Premium, Overtrail, Luxury, Overtrail+, and Executive. The Luxury models emphasized opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail packages focused on off-roading with 18-inch wheels and eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more conservative and upscale design. The TX's styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler look. The TX 350 Executive packages included 22-inch wheels, enhancing the SUV's appearance. The TX came in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, while the Executive packages offered seating options. The TX's interior, though dark, was luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, with standard heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided more power than its predecessor, with torque available low in the rev range for off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential ensured off-road prowess. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation. The GX's acceleration and braking were effective, and its composed on-road behaviour was a pleasant surprise. Despite its weight of 2,570 kilograms, the GX demonstrated controlled handling.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's note was grating, it provided adequate performance for typical driving situations. Lexus claimed an acceleration time of roughly eight seconds to 100 km/h, though the TX felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension offered a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, and the brake pedal, though soft, was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior marked a significant departure from its predecessor, with a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical buttons, including rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 millimetres of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in certain packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It featured premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were included. The TX's second-row bench seat was comfortable, though not as welcoming as the front seats. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,746 litres with the second row down. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect providing a voice assistant. Remote Connect allowed remote locking, unlocking, and vehicle diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, subscription costs for certain features were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2024 Lexus TX included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, and optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drive Connect added a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant. The TX provided free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. Proactive driving assist was also included. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GX's modern architecture and advanced safety systems inspired confidence.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional features like parking sensors and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system worked well at low speeds, though the TX lacked a higher-speed hands-free driving assist system. Overall, LSS+ 3.0 proved effective, though the TX's response to other motorists cutting in was overly cautious.