Drive Time – 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury
I’ve long admired the Lexus brand. The name immediately conjures thoughts of refinement, luxury, comfort and exquisitely smooth rides while enjoying consistent high reliability ratings via J.D. Power surveys. Good reasons why I see so many Lexus SUVs on the road.
Lexus aficionados had to wait two decades to gaze upon and drive a true third-row option. In quick summary, this lovely ride brings style, comfort, technology and dependability. Thus, I was excited when offered the opportunity to put the nicely appointed 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury through the paces. Call me impressed.
The 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury SUV is the third-level trim adding a panoramic moonroof, AWD, semi-aniline suede seats and heated/cooled second-row captain’s chairs. Consider it a true three-rower rather than a merely expanded version of the highly popular RX. It strikes the perfect balance of sumptuous luxury, decent acceleration, high tech and sublime comfort with a bonus of usable third-row seats.
SKIN
The exterior is attractive with the Spindle Grille, cool auto-leveling Bi-LED headlights (houses both low and high beams in one light source), new rear light bar and attractive 20” machine finished alloy rims. The silhouette is most definitely an SUV but did garner several second glances.
PERFORMANCE
The TX 350 AWD Luxury is meant for sublime comfort instead of a racy rocket. The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 275hp/317 pound-feet of torque and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It isn’t fast off the gate (0-60 in 7.3 seconds) but is perky enough for the typical Lexus SUV buyer.
That high-end comfort, handling and performance is derived by borrowing the Toyota Grand Highlander’s TNGA-K non-truck platform. That platform offers optimal weight distribution, lower center of gravity, less harshness, less noise and capable handling.
The strut front suspension and multi-link suspension handled the Las Colinas pothole-ridden roads like driving on smooth asphalt. It certainly feels luxurious. With that comfort comes some body sway when taking turns in spirited fashion. Again, comfort over sporty.
The brakes felt confident during stops. Gas mileage is impressive for this land yacht at 21mpg city and 27 highways on premium fuel. The 17.8-gallon gas tank has a 480-mile range.
CABIN
A luxury SUV better have upscale interior chops, and Lexus delivers the goods. It’s roomy, plush and oh so comfortable. RX customers will notice the similarities with the bonus of TX’s third row to accommodate six to seven passengers (depending on second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating).
The Luxury package includes AWD, panoramic moonroof, lovely semi-aniline suede seat trims and heated and cooled captain’s chairs, although no massaging features. The interior materials are Lexus level, and the power-tilt heated steering wheel feels perfect.
Hands-free driving works well to control speed, direction and braking. It’s a kick to use but you still need to pay attention. Advanced Parking enables remote parking using your smartphone, although I’m not sure of a good reason to do so (maybe park away from other vehicles or moving prior to a potential parking ticket?).
Visibility is excellent, especially with the optional Technology package’s Digital rear-view mirror displaying images from rear bumper lenses to bypass any tall passengers or cargo. Head-Up display is included.
Speaking of cargo, the TX has oodles of space; 20.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 54.4 with the third row folded and 97 with the second and third rows down. Safety ratings are top notch with the plethora of nanny features to keep you out of harm’s way.
TECH CHECK
The 12.3” digital screen and 14” touchscreen infotainment display are clear and easy to learn. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly and include a wireless charging pad for your smartphone.
Navigation is simple enough, either by touch or voice. The optional ($1,160) Mark Levinson 21-speaker Sound System offers 1,800 watts, and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) ably adjusts signal imperfections and equalizers.
The TX displays 360-degree overhead views, even when stopping at a light. The Cold Package ($100) includes a windshield wiper De-icer, while the Technology Package ($2,150) brings a panoramic view monitor, 360-degree camera and helpful Head Up Display with speed limit notifications.
Bottom line is the Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury enjoys a bounty of standard features, upscale feel, utter comfort and room. Taking this on a long trip sounds wonderful. I recommend you check it out.
SCORECARD
Golf Bags: A bunch
Curbside Appeal: SUV attractive
0-60: 7.3
MPG: 21/27/23
Must Haves: Tech Package, test the Mark Levinson 21-speaker system
Warranty: 4-yrs/50,000 miles basic & 6 yrs/70,000 powertrain
Base Price: $59,600
Price as Tested: $66,645
Who Buys It? The RX lover needing more room
Finish Line: Decidedly upscale package of comfort, luxury and flair
Test-drive the 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD Luxury at Park Place Lexus Grapevine and Park Place Lexus Plano.