2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was redesigned with subtlety in mind. The RX 350h Luxury model, with its Iridium silver finish and 21-inch wheels, looked nearly identical to the standard RX 350, lacking any overt hybrid indicators. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX maintained a somewhat unbalanced appearance, with a blunt nose and a stretched wheelbase that made it look smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX embraced minimalism with fewer controls and a modern infotainment system, featuring ambient lighting and luxurious materials like Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo wood in the RX 350h, and a sportier black interior in the RX 500h.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a more conservative design, appealing to those who found previous Lexus models too bold. The Luxury trim featured striking 22-inch wheels, enhancing its upscale appearance. The TX came in three model series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, offered a turbocharged engine with FWD or AWD options. The interior, though dark with its Peppercorn upholstery, felt luxurious with semi-aniline leather and a panoramic sunroof. The TX provided a comfortable third-row seat, a significant improvement over previous Lexus three-row SUVs, and offered ample cargo space.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid models. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Despite its power, it averaged 20.9 mpg, falling short of its estimated 27 mpg. The RX 500h featured advanced suspension and steering systems, enhancing its dynamic capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds, offering adequate performance for typical driving. The TX 350 FWD achieved 23 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than its predecessor. The AWD option improved traction but slightly reduced fuel efficiency. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and quiet highway driving. However, the brake pedal felt soft, though easy to modulate.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid excelled in comfort, with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h offered sportier seats with standard leather and a thicker steering wheel. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat provided good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space improved significantly, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a comfortable driving position. The second-row bench was less welcoming, but the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage options were plentiful, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system with a large touchscreen, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The system included cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant, though it had some usability issues, such as screen reflections and a lack of a tuning knob. The head-up display, paired with dual-function steering wheel controls, proved frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, and more. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless smartphone integration and a digital assistant. The TX provided several connected services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and remote access features. The optional Mark Levinson sound system delivered impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, intersection turn assistance, and more. Proactive Driving Assist helped maintain safe distances but had some irritations, such as reactive curve-speed reduction and issues with polarized sunglasses. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.

The 2024 Lexus TX also included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with similar features. Proactive Drive Assist was less transparent, leading to its deactivation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist, which worked well during testing. However, the system's response to vehicles cutting in was too dramatic, causing frustration.