2026 Lexus TX

Checking in as one of Lexus' newer offerings, the three-row TX crossover offers room, versatility and the choice of multiple-motive platforms. The handsome TX builds upon the success of the Lexus two-row RX, a vehicle rightfully credited with inspiring the now booming luxury crossover movement.  

Born in 2024, the stately, smooth-riding unibody TX platform welcomes drivers to a cocoon of comfort. Within Lexus terminology, any two letter designation ending in 'X' denotes a five-door body style powered fully or in part with an internal combustion engine.  

Lexus jump-started the quiet interior revolution during the brand's debut in the late 1980s as an upscale brother to the Toyota brand. Luxury rivals and several mainstream competitors have come close to equaling the Lexus sound of silence, but Toyota's luxury arm certainly popularized the movement towards minimalistic exterior sounds invading the insides.  

The TX arrives powered by three distinct platforms starting with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) version designated as the TX 350. A self-charging, gas-electric, parallel hybrid version, or hybrid electric vehicle (also abbreviated as an HEV) markets as the TX500h. Finally, a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Version (PHEV) offers up 33 estimated miles of pure electric driving before the HEV engine kicks in delivering hundreds more miles in the form of the TX550h+. This review highlights the volume-leading 2026 TX 350. Expect minimal updates from the 2025 model year. Consider TX a mid-size crossover skewing towards the larger end of the spectrum.  

For those calling the Midwest home, so too does TX as assembly takes place in southern Indiana at its Princeton, campus. The TX 350 bases upon the same unibody, car-based platform used in the Toyota Grand Highlander three-row crossover, also built in southern Indiana. Some larger three-row Sport Utility Vehicles build upon truck-like, body-on-frame underpinnings with a much bouncier, heavier riding experience. The TX unibody GA-K platform underpins other crossovers in the Lexus lineup including the popular RX and smaller NX supporting a rear multi-link suspension and widened front and rear tracks enhancing steering response.  

Sales of TX continue upward as do Lexus sales in general. In calendar year 2025, Lexus enjoyed its best-ever full-year results in its 36-year history with sales up 7.1 percent compared to the prior 12-month cycle. The three-row TX registered 57,346 units in 2025, a near 100 percent improvement over the previous year of abbreviated numbers during its introductory period qualifying TX as a top-three seller at Lexus. Overall, Lexus posted 370,260-unit sales in 2025, up from 345,669 in 2024 with its top dog once again the two-row RX generating 113,265 unit sales. 

Our traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) TX 350 arrives in four trim selection (Standard, Premium, Luxury, and lower-volume F-Sport Handling) all summoning power from a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine commanding 275 horses and teamed with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. It's not the quickest zero-to-60 mile-per-hour runner, but TX prides comfort and quiet above track-style specific sound effects. Some rivals offer six-cylinder powertrains providing more oomph but less MPGs.  

With high-torque output, this four-banger provided more than enough power during merges and passes during our time together. All four 2026 TX350 gasoline exclusive trims offer standard front-wheel or for an extra $1,600, all-wheel drive with the exception of F-Sport Handling which arrives solely with all-wheel drive. The electronically-controlled, full-time (or permanent, always active) all-wheel drive constantly varies front-rear force distribution from 75/25 to 50/50 dependent upon driving situations.  

Three rows of seating arrive standard but the second-row remains customizable. A second-row 60/40 split, second row, three-rider bench comes standard while a pair of upgraded (and recommended for an extra $680) captain's chairs arrive optional in Premium and Luxury trims.  

Pricing for a Standard, front-wheel drive, TX350 with a traditional internal combustion engine checks in at $55,640, the lowest starting price of any TX choice circa 2026. Our TX 350 Luxury trim started at $62,390 before a cadre of factory extras added about $10,000 to the equation. The bottom line stretched to $74,379 after an added $1,450 destination charge representing the most opulent TX350 with just about every available factory option.  

Those options included the aforementioned heated and ventilated second row captain's chairs ($680), radar-sensitive front cross traffic alert ($895), 22-inch alloy wheels ($2,140), upgraded audio ($1,160), windshield projected heads-up display/rear mirror camera feed ($2,380) and an assortment of dealer add ons.  

Fuel economy checks in at 20 miles per gallon city and 26 highway with all-wheel drive, commendable for a four-cylinder turbo carting a vehicle this size and weight. Add one mile per gallon with front-wheel drive. Keep in mind pricier, 91-octane premium fuel is recommend for optimal performance of the high-compression, turbo charged engine. The fuel tank holds a healthy 17.8 gallons. By comparison, the gas-electric hybrid TX 500h HEV (all-wheel drive standard) generates 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. 

Centering the prominent vertically-standing front; the spindle grille now incorporated within every Lexus product. This hour-glass shaped snoot historically includes a narrow cinch closer to the topside rather than the bottom. Over the past decade, this polarizing design has incorporated softer visual touches. While most Lexi opt for a black diamond-like inside pattern fill, our TX 350 boasted four narrow horizonal slats (each increasing in length towards the bottom) with a narrow black air dam bracing the bottom. A running stream of LED lights form a long menacing, narrow brow diving into the cinch from the side fender and doubles as an ambler turn signal indicator when called upon. It's the least polarizing spindle front yet. Shoppers choose from six available exterior colors including our tester's Matador Red Mica.  

Strap-like exterior door openers require just a simple light touch of its inside belly to open thanks to advanced electronics. A light, gentle squeeze on the interior edging commands door unlatching. Door interiors also adapt to the electric savvy rather than a mechanical pull handle. Side door framing includes chrome-like piping from the A-pillar's base following the window's upsides. The bottom portion of the window frames in black. At night when approaching TX with the key fob on bod, pen lighting illuminates outside exterior handles and select indoor locations.  

Also at night, a long red neon-like light stretches the length of the hatch door reaching diminutive taillight and turn signal housing. Optional static running boards ran along both lower sides easing entry especially into the third row. 

The rear hatch opens with a power assist. Third-row 50/50-split seat backs power down or up from buttons located on the left-side hatch fender creating a flat surface all the way towards second-row captain's chairs. Even with third-row seats prone, a very usable, segment-friendly 20.2 cubic feet of space remains. Third-row backrests may also power down via the multi-function center screen when selecting the menu's 'Vehicle' icon than choosing 'seating.'  

Maneuvering into the third row assists by captain's chair backs that electronically tilt forward when a top button gets pushed, then the unit easily slides forward along a dedicated floor track. The aisle opening measures wide enough to allow a 60-something frame like mine aboard. The two-seat third row provides ample head and leg room with seat backs that tilt forward and back with the push of a side button, increasing comfort in a space not known for such niceties.  

Inline beverage holders position next to an electronic shifting device monitoring the eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a diminutive-like joystick commanding reverse from a jolt forward and drive via a tilt rearward. Park summons with a push of a forward 'P" plate. A flat, single unit wireless Smartphone charging pad resides in a cove under the center dash. It's built with a movable design allowing the flat pad to retract inward and out of view. Seven type-C USB plug ports reside within the vehicle.  

The optional digital rearview mirror magically erases pesky head and shoulders that block rear perception when humans overload the back rows. Thanks to tiny, well-placed cameras, those human frailties disappear creating a clear visual to outside activity. A simple manual flip of a lower frame toggle switch frame changes viewership.  

Gone from Lexus products of the recent past, a small rectangular appendage jetting out from the steering wheel monitoring cruise control. Now, that duty relocates to the steering wheel face at the 3 o'clock wing. Also retired (thankfully), the clunky 'Remote Touch Interface' requiring nerves of steel from the driver's right hand to maneuver a square-type fumble stick or sometimes a flat touch-sensitive finger pad between bucket seats motivating an in-screen curser.  

In its stead, a handsome, 14-inch square, high-definition touch-sensitive multi-function, flat screen jetting slightly above the dashboard center renamed simply 'Lexus Interface'. This palate completely separates from the deeper-set, rectangular,12.3-inch instrument panel animation. Helping separate the two stages, the electronic start/stop push button placed high and to the left of the center touch screen, a far superior location than the lower dash near the steering column where too many vehicles harbor the circuits.  

Now, the screen interacts with the driver via a direct touch, secondary steering wheel buttons and voice commands for those so inclined. The home screen includes a vertical, left-side icon menu (navigation, music, settings, vehicle phone) allowing short cuts to the desired function. Screen interaction remains relatively easy to follow and digest but will need playtime to master fully.  

All HVAC controls monitor from a bottom row of icons within the center touch screen with fan speed increasing and decreasing via a touch-sensitive slide bar. Also included in the design two circular knobs with a center numerical digital window monitoring dual front temperature zones with a twist. These two orbs join a smaller black lower central knob monitoring volume as the few twist knobs in a touch-sensitive screen environment. One welcome added short cut/convenience includes front/rear defroster icons set near the volume button. 

Voice controls (starting with the phrase 'Hey Lexus') assist with music, climate control, weather updates and Navigation requests. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interaction arrive standard allowing Smartphone interplay with the center screen. Secondary, push-sensitive audio controls locate upon the steering wheel's 9 o'clock wing.  

Under the 'Settings' menu, drivers may choose 'Drive Mode' and pick from three main levels including normal, sport and eco. A fourth 'custom' pick allows drivers to mix and match differing air conditioning, steering and powertrain strengths.  

Lexus deserves a tip of the cap for notably responding to customer (and evaluator) feedback concerning the Remote Touch Interface era and updating/upgrading to a friendlier machine/human interaction at home in TX.  

The arm rest/storage bin between front buckets includes a vertical split, refrigerator door like top allowing both halves to open individually or as one. Power buttons unlocking the driver's side fuel door and rear hatch latch reside high on the dash left of the steering column rather than the floor corner.  

The TX 350 also qualifies for 'LexusCare' support including complimentary first and second maintenance visits at six-month (or 5,000 mile) and 12-month (10,000 mile) intervals at participating dealerships. This includes inspection of all fluid levels, tire rotation/pressure check, brake pad/rotor/caliper check and road testing. Plus, a can't-miss free car wash.  

2026 Lexus TX 350 AWD 
Price as tested: $74,379 
Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo 
Horsepower: 275 
Wheelbase: 116.14 inches 
Length: 203.15 inches 
Width: 78.35 inches 
Height: 70.08 inches  
Powertrain warranty: 72 months/70,000-miles 
City/Highway economy: 20 mpg/ 26 mpg 
Assembly: Princeton, Indiana