Lexus RX Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was a bold attempt by Lexus to push the boundaries of style, particularly with the RX 500h F Sport Performance model. The design was characterized by a large, black, trapezoidal grille that replaced the traditional spindle grille, flanked by slim headlights and air intakes. The hood's downward curve into the grille gave it a somewhat exaggerated appearance, with the Lexus L logo perched at the top. The overall front design was considered by some to be over-stylized. The side profile, however, was more restrained yet still stylish, featuring flat wheel flares and a character line that suggested motion. The floating roofline added a fastback-like silhouette, culminating in a rear spoiler. The RX 500h rode on 21-inch wheels, with a rear design that echoed the front's air intakes and included a full-width taillight. Inside, the RX 500h offered a choice of Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with the latter adding a sporty touch. The interior was equipped with digital screens and soft-touch materials, enhancing the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package as standard and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with an option for the F Sport 3 package. The design retained some elements of the older spindle grille but was complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a full-width rear LED light bar. The interior offered three colour options: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality was not up to luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were seen as an unnecessary innovation. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row that could accommodate adults comfortably, and a cargo space that expanded significantly with the seats folded. The TX also offered a range of tech features, though some lacked polish, such as the satellite radio interface and multifunctional steering wheel buttons.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered a unique approach to power with its 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Unlike its rivals that used turbocharged V6 engines, the RX 500h combined a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system. The engine itself produced 271 horsepower, while two electric motors contributed an additional 95 hp. The front motor was positioned between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, while the rear motor was part of an eAxle, providing all-wheel drive. This setup allowed for a seamless transition from electric to gas propulsion, with a 0-96 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. The RX 500h featured adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, though it wasn't particularly sporty. The steering was direct but lacked feel, and the all-season tires offered limited grip. The RX 500h's ride was firm, especially in Sport mode, which affected comfort on bumpy roads. A Custom mode allowed drivers to adjust various settings, but for a truly sporty experience, other models like the BMW X5 or Audi SQ7 were recommended.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered two powertrain options: the TX 350 with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the TX 500h hybrid with a combined output of 366 hp. The TX 350 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the TX 500h used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h employed Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, which distributed torque to each axle as needed. The TX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. However, the TX was not designed as a sports car, and its handling reflected that. The TX 500h included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling, but the overall driving experience was more about comfort and practicality than sportiness.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior, with front seats offering eight-way power adjustment, heating, and cooling. The seats were well-bolstered yet spacious enough for larger occupants. The rear seats also offered good legroom, though fitting three adults could be uncomfortable. The RX 500h had a cargo capacity of 838 litres with the second row up, expanding to 1,308 litres with the seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The second row could be configured with captain's chairs or a bench seat, and the third row was spacious enough for adults, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. The TX offered a generous cargo space of 572 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and a total of 2,747 litres with all rear seats down. The TX also had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with a head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive and driver-oriented, though the steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads were frustrating to use. A three-year Drive Connect subscription provided additional features like real-time traffic information.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen that was user-friendly, though some features lacked refinement, such as the satellite radio interface. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labelled, making them confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. The TX offered a range of subscription services, including a voice assistant and digital key. The back-up camera provided a clear view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX also included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in the IIHS's updated moderate front overlap test. The RX's safety features worked well, though the steering wheel controls for cruise control were difficult to use.

The 2026 Lexus TX also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with similar safety features as the RX. The TX received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating in the IIHS's small overlap front crash test on the driver's side. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though the steering wheel controls were confusing. The TX offered hands-free driving via a subscription.