Car Review: 2025 Lexus TX350 Reveals Its Roots

EAST HADDAM, CT – On the surface – and on paper, at least – the first-ever Lexus TX350 is a luxury, three-row utility that slots in between the mid-size RX and more robust, body-on-frame GX. Underneath, however, its more pedestrian Toyota Grand Highlander origins make their way through the cracks once you start living with it.

Repurposing shared platforms in the ever-evolving automotive industry is nothing new. In fact, Toyota has been most adept at pulling off such sleight-of-hand, which is how it created the Lexus legacy in the first place.

The company was consciously committed to a good degree of separation between the upscale Lexus offerings and more mainstream Toyota models on which they’re based, but that distinction seems to be fading. Witness the latest TX. 

Perhaps the new luxury crossover was rushed. The first thing you notice is that the interior isn’t quite as plush as you might expect. It’s the first Lexus to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Princeton, IN, alongside the Highlander, Grand Highlander and Sienna minivan. That says something.

To help distinguish the seven-passenger TX from its lesser Toyota sibling, the Lexus is refined with improved rigidity and sound deadening via structural adhesives and special spot welds. There’s also a more isolated and better damped rear, multi-link suspension, and wider front/rear tracks. 

To make up for the additional weight, though, thinner body sheet metal is employed. The hood and front fenders are aluminum. So the utility’s structural integrity isn’t quite what you’d call old, Lexus LS400 bank vault-like. 

If the TX is anything, it’s certainly quiet, comfortable and generously spacious. It was conceived as a true three-row utility from the get-go, as opposed to a two-row crossover masquerading with a third seat stuffed in the back. This ensures that nothing, or no one, gets left behind.

The cavernous cabin includes an expansive 14-inch infotainment display to keep drivers and passengers in the know. Being as family friendly as it is, there’s a multitude of storage nooks, crannies and charging ports. Seating is quite accommodating and supportive, with the intention of the long haul. But as the miles pile on, another telltale Toyota trait becomes obvious.

Judging by the badge, one might assume that the TX350 comes with a 3.5-liter Lexus V6 engine. In fact, it’s specified with a off-the-Toyota shelf standard 2.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 275 horsepower. Since it’s also used in the smaller/lighter Lexus NX and RX, the 2.4 proves simply adequate in the bigger, heavier TX. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mine included all-wheel drive, while basic front-wheel drive can be had. 

A more powerful parallel Hybrid variant is available with 366 combined horsepower. Or 404 total horsepower as a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). With the base version being a reconfigured example of an existing Toyota engine, the 2.4-liter can be a bit overwhelmed in Lexus guise. But what’s worse is that it generates a very raspy, un-Lexus-like growl on acceleration. 

On to the outside… In the company’s words, “the TX’s front fascia has been redefined and proudly reflects the new expression of Lexus design.” In my eyes it’s a bit too menacing and in-your-face as opposed to being elegant and tastefully discriminating. They refer to it as “Unified Spindle” style, whatever that means. Slightly flared fenders accommodate the widened Lexus front and rear wheel track.

The latest and greatest Lexus Safety System +3.0 comes standard on the TX350. It’s a comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience features. From Pre-Collision and Pedestrian Detection to Lane Changing Departure Alert and Tracing Assist, and more. Thank you for that.

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To cut to the chase, upmarket Lexus TX350 pricing starts at $56,490. The plebeian Toyota Grand Highlander patriarch begins at $40,860. So, the $15,000 question is whether the Lexus logo warrants that additional expense? 

No doubt, the base level Lexus is much better outfitted than the bottom-line Toyota. And as the trim level improves with the more heavily loaded models that gap diminishes to some $7,000 between the two.

So, the better bet is a function of personal preference. Dependent upon which one is selected, the ever-coddling Lexus ownership experience could prove a bit more compelling. On the other hand, what are likely more manageable Toyota after sales expenses and insurance premiums might be the more attractive proposition.

When it comes to the newly launched Lexus TX350, you’ll have to decide.

(Photos unless otherwise noted are courtesy of Lexus.)