Lexus RX vs Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced its visual appeal and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's aesthetics. The TX was available 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 dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, offering options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus RX, following a full redesign the previous year, presented a mixed bag in terms of styling. The front end was dominated by an oversized trapezoidal grille, flanked by large air inlets, which appeared awkward, especially in lighter colours. The hood's large bump contributed to a bulky appearance, deviating from the sleek RX models of the past. The sides featured bulging body panels, while a swooping chrome accent strip suggested a floating-roof design that seemed out of place. The rear end, however, received a tidier design with a single light strip connecting the taillights. Inside, the RX offered a more conventional layout, with faux suede inserts in higher-priced packages lending a softer cabin feel. The available 14-inch infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, with neatly organized climate controls below. The wide centre console featured a simulated woodgrain that felt plasticky, contrasting with the genuine wood inlays on the steering wheel. Despite these inconsistencies, the cabin was covered in premium leather and well-grained plastics, ensuring a sturdy construction.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The performance was adequate, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L's 11.1 L/100 km. However, during testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride was comfortable, with commendable body motion control and a quiet interior on the highway. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the base RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-litre engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-litre inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, producing 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ added an 18.1-kWh battery pack, increasing power to 304 hp and offering up to 60 kilometres of electric range. The RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered compared to rivals, with the hybrid's CVT keeping engine revs high. The RX 450h+ was quicker, reaching 96 km/h in 6.2 seconds, with responsive electric propulsion. The brake pedal was appropriately soft, and the suspension was tuned for comfort, smoothing over road imperfections but resulting in noticeable body roll. The F Sport Handling trim offered sharper performance, but the RX's main focus was comfort.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike the old RX L, and provided leg support with large side windows. Cargo space measured 572 litres 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 TX featured numerous storage slots, though many lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered spacious front seats with plenty of power adjustments, standard heating and ventilation, and a rubberized wireless charging pad. The rear seats provided ample space for average-sized adults, with good outward visibility and standard rear climate controls. The RX had up to 838 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,308 litres with the second-row seatbacks folded. The load floor was slightly taller than competitors, requiring more effort for loading heavier items. The RX featured a power liftgate with available kick-activated hands-free functionality.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. 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 fidelity.

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its redesign, featured a more conventional infotainment system with a touchscreen measuring 9.8 inches in lower-priced configurations and 14 inches in higher-end models. The system accepted natural speech commands and included cloud-based navigation, though it was prone to connectivity issues and required a subscription after a three-year free trial. The RX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. The steering wheel featured multi-function pads, with a head-up display providing button diagrams.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance, though it was not transparent. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with additional options in the Executive packages. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in overall and side collision protection from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking proximity sensors. Additional features included a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera system, semi-automated parking system, and highway driving assist system. Some features were conservatively tuned, resulting in unnecessary warnings, but they could be adjusted or disabled.