2024 Lexus TX350 Review: Luxury, Affordability, and Family-Forward Features
CLARKSTON, Mich. — The 2024 Lexus TX350 is making waves in the SUV market, blending luxury with practicality in the highly competitive three-row segment. Sporting the distinguished Lexus badge and hitting the sweet spot of value and premium features, this isn’t just any SUV—it’s a Lexus, and here’s why it stands out.
1. Exceptional Value for Money
The TX350 delivers a plethora of features that make it a standout deal. With spacious interiors accommodating up to seven passengers, it comes equipped with a 14-inch touchscreen, a 12-speaker sound system, and heated front seats. The test model showcased a chic Wind Chill Pearl exterior paired with sleek 20-inch dark gray wheels, emphasizing its luxury appeal. Priced at $55,050 including delivery, it undercuts the average new-car price of $44,000, making it a cost-effective option for a high-end SUV.
2. Reliable and Practical Powertrain
Under the hood, the TX350 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that, while not as powerful as the turbocharged inline-sixes in competitors like the BMW X5 or Mazda CX-90, delivers a comfortable ride. With 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque available at just 1,700 rpm, it may not set any speed records but ensures smooth acceleration. Paired with a dependable eight-speed automatic transmission, it offers both front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive for an additional $1,600.
3. Sensibly Upscale Interior
The cabin of the TX350 strikes a balance between luxury and practicality. While it may not rival the opulence of a Mercedes or Lincoln, it offers premium black materials, ambient lighting, and woodgrain trim. Lexus’ use of synthetic leather, called NuLuxe, claims to be more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain, though opinions may vary on its desirability compared to genuine leather. A Lexus interior is about rational luxury—it feels premium without going overboard.
4. Competitive Alternatives
While the Lexus TX350 offers great value, its genetic cousin, the Toyota Grand Highlander, presents an even more budget-friendly option. Starting at $44,715, the Grand Highlander shares much of its underlying platform but lacks the luxury touches of the Lexus. For those more focused on utility and space, it remains a compelling choice.
5. The Premium Lexus Experience
Despite the allure of its Toyota counterpart, the TX350’s distinctive Lexus features—such as the iconic spindle grille, sharp creases, and sleek wheels—set it apart. Starting at $55,000, the lineup reaches up to the $79,400 TX 550h+ Luxury AWD, offering advanced options and refined powertrains that elevate it above the Grand Highlander’s simplicity.
6. Popularity and Market Impact
With nearly 10,000 units sold in the first quarter, the TX350 is the third best-selling Lexus SUV, following the RX and NX. This resonates with its family-friendly design and the addition of a third row, which has been a low-risk yet rewarding strategy for Lexus. As part of Lexus’ extensive 13-model SUV lineup, the TX350 caters to different needs, ensuring there’s something for every potential buyer.
In summary, the 2024 Lexus TX350 adeptly fuses luxury with practicality, offering a compelling package for those seeking a premium three-row SUV without an exorbitant price tag. It’s a pragmatic choice that doesn’t sacrifice the Lexus hallmark of quality and style.