The owner of a Florida eatery serving “jumbo” wings once ran a clever advertisement: “Customers are complaining that our wings are too big!”
To that point, Lexus designers should delight in one buyer’s comment that his all-new 2024 TX 350 SUV may actually be too roomy — “almost too many cupholders and too much space,” he said in a buyers’ forum.
Maximizing cabin space and comfort was a prime focus on the three-row TX 350, a midsize luxury SUV that replaces the RX 350-L. The third row accommodates even six-footers comfortably, something the RX couldn’t do. Cargo space is mammoth with 97 cubic feet of total volume, just a few cubes shy of Toyota’s Sienna minivan.
Assembled at the Princeton, Indiana Toyota plant, the TX 350 is built on the same platform as the also-new Toyota Grand Highlander. The TX has a strong stance, 20-inch multi-spoke alloys with dark gray finish, and the brand’s latest spindle grille which helps with air flow. There’s LED lighting up front, and an LED-blade tail lamp across the rear.
Three TX models are available with the powertrains marking the key distinctions. The TX 500h F Sport Performance is a hybrid that offers more power and better fuel economy; the top-line TX550+ is a plug-in hybrid, the most powerful with 404 horsepower, and can go 33 miles on electric alone.
But the TX 350 is expected to be the sales leader with an efficient 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that rounds up 275 horses and 317 pound-feet of torque.
An 8-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters) delivers power to either the front wheels or all four with the optional all-wheel-drive system ($1,600). The AWD is front-biased, but can send up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels as needed.
The 350 isn’t fast, but it does have adequate early torque and gets to 60 mph in around 7.5 seconds. The ride is stiffer than some foes (think Acura MDX and Infiniti QX60), but that improves road feel and handling.
Power is decent under normal conditions, but it’s not a brute when the going gets tough, like when climbing hills with a crowded cabin. All three powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Three drive modes adjust performance to needs: Normal for everyday commutes and shopping runs, Sport adds more throttle, and Eco squeezes out extra miles on a trip. Lexus says to expect 20 mpg around town, 26 highway and 23 combined.
Most important for a family hauler is that it’s comfortable, stable and quiet on the highway — one of the quietest in the segment. Lexus’ added sound-dampening materials on door seals to complement those beneath cabin panels, throughout the engine compartment and wheel wells.
The 350 cabin has a refined look with faux-leather seats up front that are heated and mildly bolstered. Seats are plush and comfortable front and rear, and have stitching accents on door panels and the dashboard.
It comes with 12-speaker audio, ambient lighting and wireless phone chargers. More upscale features like 21-speaker audio, semi-aniline leather and 10-way power seats can be found in the higher-end Luxury and Premium trims.
But the spotlight is on the space and comfort, including good head-, leg- and shoulder-room throughout. The second row can be heated, slides, reclines and has its own air vents. Manual shades block the setting sun. Captain’s chairs come with the higher trims, but they reduce passenger count to six.
The third row can seat bigger folks comfortably and for longer periods, provided the second-row folks share some space with them. The seats also fold easily into the floor with an optional button. Cargo space behind the third row is 20.2 cubic feet, and 57.4 cubes with the second row down.
Here’s a neat family feature: The rear center console is removable and so are cup holders up front.
Lexus’ latest infotainment is displayed on a 14-inch touchscreen that is responsive, but can be cumbersome climbing through the setting menus. It includes access to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth and navigation.
It’s well worth opting for the Technology Package ($1,050), which features a reconfigurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster, panoramic rear-view mirror, head-up display and advanced parking assist.
Lexus’ safety package includes a pre-collision system that monitors intersection cross-traffic and pedestrians, adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, lane-departure alert and assist, and blind spot monitor.
The TX 350 isn’t the only option among three-row Lexus SUVs, with the more rugged LX and GX also in play. But the TX is more affordable, driver-friendly and roomier. Lexus got it right with the bigger cabin; not sure about the chicken-wing guy.
Barry Spyker was the automotive editor and columnist for the Miami Herald
MSRP: $56,900
With Luxury package: $60,350 (Includes leather and 10-way power seats, heated wheel and second-row seats; technology package with digital instrument gauge, $1,050)
What’s all the excitement about? All-new model replaces RX 350-L and adds cargo and passenger space — enough to more comfortably seat adults in the third row
Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, mated to 8-speed automatic, and good for 275 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque; two hybrids also available for more power and better fuel economy
How’s the performance? Not sporty but adequate acceleration for a family SUV — 0-60 mph at 7.5 seconds; Ride is stiffer than some but road bumps kept in check; smooth and quiet on highway, and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
Fuel economy: Expect around 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 23 combined
