Lexus has used half of the alphabet and almost as many numbers to name its vehicles. The TX 350 is a manufacturer’s newbie sport utility vehicle. It is often described as family-friendly. Specifically, it’s a legitimate three-row vehicle. Depending on seat configuration, it seats six or seven adults.
Introduced in 2023 as a 2024 model, the spacious and surprisingly quiet SUV is available in four trims: Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling. The TX (Touring Crossover) designation also applies to certain Premium and Luxury hybrid trims, as well as the 550’s Luxury trim. The F Sport Handling trim is new for 2205.
Competitors include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Infiniti QX60, and Volvo XC90. The Lexus is the longest of the group. It also has the most overall space—97 cubic feet with all seats folded. Segment totals are equally impressive: 57.4 cubic feet behind the second row, 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row.
Besides its spaciousness, configuration options and easy access add to occupant convenience. Second row seating is available in captain’s chairs or a 60-40 split-folding bench. Heated and ventilated second-row seating is standard with captain’s chairs. Third-row access is simplified with a slide assist walk-in mechanism. The seat tilts forward with the press of a button on the seat shoulder. The second-row seats then fold via the slide assist spring.
Although it appears to produce more power than its specs, the TX 350 is equipped with a turbocharged, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-to-60 miles per hour is accomplished in 7.8 seconds. The towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Quietness and an overall smooth drive reign, adding to the overall quicker feel than the manufacturer promotes. Gas mileage averages are 20 miles per gallon in city driving, 26 mpg on the freeways, 23 mpg combined. The vehicle’s overall ride quality is further defined in driving mode options and adjustable shock absorbers.
A 14-inch infotainment display is standard and extends the length of the infotainment interface. It’s intuitive and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are an in-dash navigation system and a wireless smartphone charging pad. A 12.3-inch digital gauge has configuration and displayed information options. A head-up display is optional.
The reviewed TX 350 F Sporting Handling features special front seats with slightly more aggressive bolstering. They’re designed for more secure seating during accelerated cornering. Embossed headrests add bling and the steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather, providing the feel of sports car grip.
Exterior upgrades include a more aggressive look with adaptive dampers, 22-inch wheels and black-and-chrome exterior accents, including black roof rails. The upscale trim also features front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, panoramic moonroof and power-folding third-row ventilated front seats.
Also standard in the top-line trim: a power-adjustable steering column, power-adjustable front seats with heat and ambient interior lighting. Safety features standard include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection and lane centering.
Top-line equipment options extend to the 1,800-watt, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system ($1,160). The Convenience Package ($895) includes cross-traffic alert and several safety features requiring additional fees after three years.
Not every Lexus in the upscale Toyota lineup defines its purported status. The TX 350 could have been another SUV in the hard-to-differentiate mix of family haulers. It’s not. It’s powerful, refined and efficiently designed.
In its best offering, the second-year Lexus is priced at just under $70,000. For consumers maintaining their legacy buying traditions, it’s a solid choice.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].
