2027 Lexus TX Expert Review
Gas and hybrid available
Roomy cabin
Lots of tech
Firm ride
Excessive body motions
Lackluster third row
Bigger than the popular RX and slotting beneath the flagship LX, the 2027 Lexus TX is the luxury automaker’s competitor in the growing three-row SUV segment. Available with gas-only and hybrid powertrains, the TX loses its plug-in hybrid option for the 2027 model year.
Rivals to the TX include other three-row luxury SUVs like the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Lincoln Aviator.
What’s New
Basics
- TX550h+ PHEV discontinued
- TX350’s vacuum brake booster returned
- TX350’s brake hold feature revised
Exterior
- AWD badge replaces Direct4 badge on TX500h
- Darker finish on TX350’s 20-inch aluminum wheels
- Red calipers available for F Sport models
What We Think
The 2027 Lexus TX occupies an important slot in the Lexus lineup, but we wish it did a better job standing out in its crowded segment. There are some aspects of this SUV that Lexus gets right, though.
The PHEV model is gone, but available gas and hybrid powertrains should cover most shoppers’ needs. As a people-mover, its interior is spacious in the first and second rows. Getting into the third row is easy, but it could be roomier once you’re situated. Lexus goes all out with tech, equipping big screens as standard equipment and peppering the cabin with ample device-charging ports.
For 2027, Lexus has worked to address one of our most significant complaints. We’ve noted that the TX350 has odd brake feel, but the automaker has retuned the vacuum brake booster and auto hold system in a bid to solve that issue.
Even so, the TX’s exterior is bland, and its interior lacks luxurious feel. Spaciousness just isn’t enough to overcome this SUV’s general sense of mere adequacy. Here’s hoping Lexus improves the TX with the midcycle refresh.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
For 2027, there are two powertrains available for the Lexus TX. The TX350 is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard. FWD is standard on most trims with AWD available as an upgrade.
The TX350 F Sport Handling is only nonhybrid model that comes standard with AWD. In our testing, the TX350 launched from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, which is on the slower side in this segment.
Lexus continues to offer the TX500h F Sport Performance, which makes use of a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and dual electric motors. Total system horsepower is rated at 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the gas-only model, this hybrid version of the TX uses a six-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with AWD for both Premium and Luxury trims. Acceleration improves with this model, as the TX500h’s 0–60-mph time falls to 6.1 seconds according to our test results.
Lamentably, Lexus drops the TX550h+ plug-in hybrid for the 2027 model year. This variant used a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and electric motors for a total output of 404 hp and was the quickest of the bunch with a 0–60 time of 5.3 seconds.
MPGs and Range
For 2026, the Lexus TX 350 returned 21/27 mpg city/highway with FWD and 20/26 mpg with AWD. With the 2.4-liter turbo and either choice of drivetrain layout, it was rated at 409 miles of range. For comparison, the Volvo XC90 B5 AWD is slightly more efficient at 23/29 mpg and 470 miles of range.
The more powerful model with the B6 mild hybrid powertrain gets 20/26 mpg and 432 miles per tank. For better efficiency, go for the TX500h. Its hybrid powertrain ups fuel economy to 27/28 mpg and range to 462 miles.
Safety Ratings and Features
The 2027 Lexus TX gets five out of five stars overall from NHTSA, but it’s never had a Top Safety Pick from IIHS like the Volvo XC90 and the Audi Q7. Still, Lexus equips its Safety System 3.0+ suite of active safety tech.
Standard Features
All 2027 Lexus TX models are standard with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, road sign assistance, and automatic high-beams.
It also receives Lexus’ Proactive Driving Assist, which makes adjustments to the steering and braking should the TX determine more space is needed between a nearby vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Some will find this helpful, and others may find it to be a nuisance.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
One of the Lexus TX’s greatest strengths is its size. Its second row in particular has lots of legroom, and the third row offers more space than two of the segment’s leaders.
|
Legroom (first/second/third rows) |
Cargo Space (behind third/second/first rows) |
|
|
2027 Lexus TX |
41.6/39.5/33.5 inches |
20.2/57.4/97.0 cubic feet |
|
2027 Audi Q7 |
41.7/38.0/29.2 inches |
14.2/35.7/69.6 cubic feet |
|
2027 Volvo XC90 |
40.9/37.0/31.9 inches |
12.6/35.6/65.5 cubic feet |
Technology
Infotainment
Lexus equips the 2027 TX with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every TX SUV, as are seven USB-C ports and a wireless charger.
Sound System
A 12-speaker sound system serves as the default setup in the 2027 Lexus TX. Audiophiles can spring for a 21-speaker arrangement from Mark Levinson.
Available Upgrades
Lexus offers additional features like ventilated front seats and heated chairs in the second row. Other available equipment includes a digital key, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera, and automated parking.
Value
Standard Features
The entry-level Lexus TX350 comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. LED exterior lighting and 20-inch wheels are standard equipment.
Inside the cabin, you get heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and synthetic leather upholstery. The base TX starts just under $59,000.
Recommended Trim
Those who have settled on the 2027 Lexus TX as their luxury three-row SUV of choice have a lot of trims to decide between. TX350 models come in base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades. The TX500h F Sport Performance is offered in Premium and Luxury trims.
Of those variants, we think the 2027 Lexus TX500h F Sport Performance Premium is the right call. Not only does it boast superior fuel economy and performance due to its hybrid powertrain, it gets a number of upgrades over lesser TX SUVs.
To start, it receives F Sport suspension with adaptive dampers and handsome split-spoke 22-inch wheels. The interior is dressed up with F Sport accents, as well, including aluminum pedals and scuff plates. Front-row seating is heated and ventilated, plus the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel have memory settings.
We think the powertrain and comfort upgrades are worth the spend, at a sticker price just over $72,000.