2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, presented a commanding presence on the road. Its overall height of 74.2 inches, slightly reduced in the Luxury trim, contributed to its robust appearance. The front end, with its massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer the road ahead, framing the GX’s distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023, offering exclusive paint colors like Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX appeared engineered for off-road adventures, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. Its design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota’s blocky language, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. Inside, the GX had a mix of luxury touches and disappointing plastic materials, with features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its presence. The TX’s styling was more conservative, appealing to those turned off by previous Lexus designs. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of prices and configurations. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and options for FWD or AWD. Our test vehicle, with FWD and Luxury trim, included packages like the Convenience and Technology Packages, enhancing its luxury feel. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium materials and features like a panoramic glass sunroof. The TX’s interior was comfortable, with a habitable third-row seat, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, offering a linear rise in power and noise as the accelerator was pressed. With 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, the 4.6-liter V8, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, didn’t excel on paper but provided a satisfying driving experience. Its 6,500-pound towing capacity was notable, though it lagged behind other SUVs. The GX’s fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite its weight, the GX handled predictably, with communicative road feel and strong brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its 4WD system, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined, slightly better than the old RX L. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350’s suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft in our test vehicle.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with USB-A. The GX retained physical controls, favoring hard buttons over haptic-touch interfaces. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests. The second row was comfortable, with captain’s chairs and good legroom, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated, and cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus three-row SUV shortcomings. Our TX 350 Luxury had premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, a significant improvement over the RX L and GX. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The interior had numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. The split front center armrest design was less practical, with a narrow opening for the storage bin.

The 2023 Lexus GX’s infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player. Its off-road capabilities were impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TX included subscriptions to Drive Connect, Service Connect, and Safety Connect, providing features like cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX had modern safety features, though it missed some top-end options.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn’t always smooth. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and optional parking sensors. The traffic jam assist system worked well for low-speed, hands-free driving on approved highways.