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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – Developing vehicles which combine luxury and performance, to deliver an exceptional and engaging driving experience, has been a Lexus goal since its 1986 inception and the three-row 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD meets this standard.
I recently spent an intense-driving week in the large mid-size sport utility (SUV), taking the 203.15-inch-long vehicle on a long-weekend trip from Cape Cod to coastal Maine. Quiet, smooth and powerful, the TX was a joy to drive, soaking up the miles on the Interstates (I-93, 1-95) at speed when traffic allowed and providing a quiet sanctuary with terrific sound system when it did not.
Powerful, efficient ICE
The TX 350 is the internal-combustion-engine variant of the TX family (also offered in both hybrid and plug-in-hybrid versions) available in either front-wheel (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration.
The 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine features a center injection system (for more stable combustion); lightweight, spherical lipless pistons (for high-speed combustion); and a continuously variable capacity oil pump (to modify discharge volume based on running conditions). These technologies contribute to the high-output – 275 horsepower and high-torque – 317 pounds-feet of the powerplant.
An automatic eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters feeds this power into the electronically controlled full-time AWD system which constantly varies the front-to-rear driving force distribution from 75:25 to 50:50 (depending on situation).
The TX always felt strong when I stepped on the accelerator as the four-cylinder motor never felt at a loss moving the 6,010-pound SUV. Car and Driver reported a 7.1-second 0-60 time for it, more than respectable.
Also, more than respectable for a vehicle of this size and configuration was the fuel efficiency I saw. My time behind the wheel resulted in a 25.3 miles per gallon rate, better than the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 23 overall (20 urban, 26 highway).
A platform designed to the Lexus goals
The TX family shares the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform with the smaller, two-row RX and NX Lexus SUVs and, in Lexus speak, it reduces noise vibration and contributes to a smooth and serene ride with exceptional comfort. It also enables precise suspension movement, straight-line stability, and steering responsiveness so that the car and driver act in harmony – this is what the brand calls the LDS.
Without going into engineering specifics, I will simply say the desire to achieve LDS works. Driving the Lexus TX 350 AWD was enjoyable. The basic chassis components contributing to this included MacPherson-type struts up front, an independent multi-link setup in the rear.
The anti-lock (ABS) equipped braking system features vented 13.3-inch rotors front and rear with floating-type, single-piston calipers at each end.
The review unit included the optional ($2,140) 22-inch multi-spoke wheels shod with 255/45R22 Continental tires.
ADAS adds to driving experience
Complementing the platform hardware in providing the Lexus TX 350 AWD’s driving prowess, was a wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), both standard and optional.
Standard ADAS begins with the LexusSafetySystem 3.0 including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; risk avoidance emergency steer assist; left turn oncoming vehicle detection/braking; all-speed dynamic radar cruise control; lane tracing assist; emergency driving stop system; lane departure alert with steering assist; road sign assist, and proactive driving assist.
Also standard ADAS were blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and intuitive parking assist with auto braking.
The review TX’s optional ADAS included front cross-traffic alert and traffic-jam assist (major part of the $895 Convenience Package) as well as panoramic view monitor, digital rearview mirror and head-up display (part of the $2,380 Technology Package).
Luxury appointments fill the TX 350
Every Lexus from two-seat convertible to rugged off-road SUV is a luxury vehicle, aimed at that end of the automotive world. I drove the Luxury Grade TX 350 AWD (it is offered in Standard, Premium, Luxury and F SPORT Handling Grades) which meant Semi-Aniline leather-trimmed seats heated and ventilated up front and in the second-row captains’ chairs. It also brought electric folding for the third row and a panoramic moonroof.
The automatic climate-control system features three zones; the leather-wrapped, power adjusted steering wheel is heated, and the rear-door windows have sunshades.
The most prominent feature of the interior is the 14-inch high-definition touchscreen which controls vehicle systems as well as the Lexus multi-media system. The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and SiriusXM satellite radio.
The star of the infotainment system is the (optional $1,160) Mark Levinson® 21-speaker premium surround-sound system which pumps out clear, vibrant audio, wonderful for drowning out the noise and tumult of Boston-area traffic.
Other interior features include seven USB ports and mobile-device wireless charger.
The price of TX 350 luxury
The 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD represents the base of the extensive TX family. The FWD version starts at $56,490 while the top of the TX 350 range, the F Sport Handling had a suggested list price of $70,010.
The review unit, the 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury Grade carried a base price of $61,890. The options described above, a few additional ones plus a $1,350 delivery, processing & handling fee, brought the as-tested price to $71,464.
In the world of three-row luxury SUVs, the Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury Grade provides a very competitive package. It is well built, reliable and a pleasure to drive.
Next week TBR Drives the 2025 Ford F-150 Tremor full-size pickup truck
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