Lexus is getting ready to add another SUV to its line-up, and the three-row TX will go up against some tough competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as upstart Genesis.
Rumors have been circulating for some time, Toyota’s luxury brand trademarking the TX name back in 2021. But this is the first time we’ve had official confirmation the Lexus TX is coming, with a teaser image showing off its distinctive floating roofline.
Lexus offered only a terse hint of what to expect, a new release proclaiming, “Something big is coming!” But it did note that we’ll learn more about the TX “soon.” Based on the brand’s previous approach to launching new products, we very well could see the 2024 Lexus TX in undisguised form by mid-year.
An upmarket take on Toyota’s Grand Highlander
The timing of Tuesday’s teaser appears to confirm that the TX will share the underpinnings of the new Toyota Grand Highlander set to begin rolling into U.S. showrooms mid-year. That starts with the TNGA-K platform, rather than the body-on-frame architecture used for the Lexus LX flagship — as well as the Lexus GX.
But, in typical form, potential buyers can expect to see the usual upgrades that distinguish similar Toyota and Lexus products: more exclusive materials, such as leather, wood and metal trim, as well as a raft of digital technologies.
Powertrain options
Few would be surprised if the Lexus TX also gets a more powerful drivetrain option than the Toyota Grand Highlander. That more mainstream model tops out with a version of the Hybrid Max drivetrain making 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Three powertrains will be offered for the Grand Highlander, including the Hybrid Max, a 265-hp turbo-4, and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid making 245 hp.
Based on trademarks Lexus has filed, the Hybrid Max could be designated TX500h, with a conventional, gas-powered model badged the TX350.
A replacement for the old Lexus RX-L?
The TX should have similar, if not identical dimensions to the Grand Highlander, the Toyota model measuring 201.4 inches nose-to-tail, or about 6.5 inches longer than the conventional, two-row Highlander. The Grand Highlander also adds 2.3 inches in width and 2 inches in height.
The teaser image appears to confirm this is a Lexus take on the Grand Highlander, but there are a few notable differences, starting with taillights that wrap further into the luxury model’s rear quarter panels. There is a slight difference in the shape of the rear side window, as well.
Based on its likely dimensions, the Lexus TX would fall into the brand line-up between the best-selling RX and larger GX and LX SUVs. Essentially, TX will fill a gap left open when the latest RX was introduced, Lexus dropping the stretched RX-L badge.
Official debut likely next month
TX will face some tough competition in the premium crossover market. It remains to be seen precisely what Lexus will position it up against, but some observers have it taking aim at the likes of the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. It seems more likely to take on lower packages, rather than those flagships, however.
Lexus has advised members of the automotive media that it will have some new products to show off next month. Odds favor the TX making its debut then.