Lexus probably needed a tweener between the popular mid-size RX and the larger LX - the brand has the SUV segments covered now. More to the point, some buyers might’ve outgrown the RX but didn’t need the LX’s size, want to pay the LX’s price, or deal with the LX’s fuel-guzzling ways. So, that's where the 2026 Lexus TX 350 comes in.
The TX gives those folks a three-row SUV with a more-affordable price and more reasonable fuel efficiency.
Breaking Down My 2026 Lexus TX 350 Test Unit
While hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the TX are available, the one I was sent used the internal-combustion powertrain.
That is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and my test unit came with available all-wheel drive.
The TX 350 I tested arrived with a price of $62,390. Standard features included LED lighting all around, roof rails, power rear door, multi-zone climate control, leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, rear sunshades, wireless cell-phone charger, infotainment system with 14-inch display, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, 20-inch wheels, panorama glass roof, heated second-row outboard seats, power-folding third-row seats, and ambient lighting.
Standard advanced-driver assist systems included Lexus’ SafetySense 3.0 system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, digital latch with safe-exit assist, and parking assist with auto braking.
Options included heated and cooled second-row captain’s chairs, front cross-traffic alert, traffic-jam assist, digital key, 22-inch wheels that replaced the standard 20-inch wheels, Mark Levinson premium audio, 360-degree camera, remote parking, digital mirror, head-up display, lighted door sills, cargo lamp, mudguards, running boards, dash cam, and more.
Total as-tested price, including destination and delivery fees? $74,379.
On The Road In The 2026 Lexus TX 350
Dynamically, the TX feels a bit trucky - just like the larger, related GX. It’s not quite as car-like as the RX, but it seems like it’s not quite meant to be. The overall vibe is more old-school brawn with a luxury gloss than it is car-like.
That leaves the steering feeling heavy and a tab numb, and the ride is mostly smooth but just a tad choppy. The engine has enough pull for around-town driving, but the TX feels heavy. There is a little bit of body roll, too, but it’s not too pronounced.
Where the TX shines is where most Lexuses (Lexi?) shine - interior comfort. Outside of some engine roar at higher RPMs, it’s quiet. It’s comfy, and all the buttons and knobs are easy to reach. Yes, buttons and knobs - not the controversial and often annoying haptic touch stuff. Though some controls do require touch-screen engagement.
There’s plenty of interior room, though at times the roofline feels a little low. Legroom is not an issue, and the rear feels roomy.
The TX gets 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway/23 mpg combined.
There’s no doubt the TX is in an odd spot. As noted above, the mission here is to slot between the RX and GX and to be, a bit like the GX, more truck-ish and brawny than sleek and urbane.
And the TX succeeds at that mission. Its exterior styling is a little more citified than that of the bulky, big-shouldered GX, with a swooping hood and some curves injected into the squared-off shape.
Interior room is what really carries the day here. Those seeking more power will go to the GX, while those don’t need a third row will be fine with the RX. Remember, the TX is, in a way, a replacement for the dearly departed three-row RX L.
I’d be curious to see how good the TX can be with some serious massaging as opposed to be a slightly smaller version of the GX. As is, it’s pretty darn good if you prioritize comfort - and that’s what Lexus is looking for.
Images: Lexus
About The Author
Tim Healey is an experienced automotive writer and editor from Chicago. He has covered automotive news at Consumer Guide Automotive, Web2Carz, AutoGuide, and was the managing editor at The Truth About Cars. Tim is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. You can find him on Facebook, X/Twitter, and on LinkedIn.
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