Reviewed: The 2025 Lexus TX500h – The Long-Awaited Lexus Three-Row SUV

by Greg Karpinski

Yes, I know. Lexus has had three row SUVs prior to the introduction of the TX for the 2024 model year, but each of those were massively compromised – the RX350L was an extended version of Lexus’ venerable RX, but that third row was tiny, and Lexus was unwilling to compromise the shape of the RX to allow for appropriate passenger and cargo volume. The GX and LX also offered third row jump seats that could be used in a pinch, but dealt with the packaging issues of proper body on frame SUVs, which limited both function and space.

When Toyota decided to make an extended version of the Highlander, known as the Grand Highlander (sorry, not sorry Stellantis), the next logical step was to use that to fill a gaping hole in Lexus’ otherwise comprehensive model lineup, which they did with the new TX, affectionately known around most parts as the “Lexus Texas.” Unlike GM of the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, while Lexus uses Toyota platforms and engines for the majority of their lineup, the brand has always done an outstanding job of curating a

luxury experience worthy of the Lexus name in each of those vehicles that elevate it from their more common Toyota cousins. Will the TX continue that tradition?

The Fine Print: Lexus wanted to see what we thought of their 2025 TX500h so badly, they dropped off our elegant Nightfall Blue tester with a full tank of gas and said use it however you want for a week, and use it, we did.

In a word… sorta. The design is largely traditional crossover, much like the Grand Highlander on which it’s based, and isn’t going to stand out in a parking lot, even if you back into a spot to proudly display what Lexus calls the Unified Spindle Grille. Overall, it’s undeniably a handsome package and, given the market where it resides, it’s unsurprising that Lexus didn’t take a chance and try to craft something beautiful or eye-catching. We know the Lexus design team has it in them – just look at the gorgeous LC500 and try not to drool.

The biggest problem is that the exterior of the TX is far too similar to that of the Grand Highlander – park next to one at your local Whole Foods and you’ll begin to wonder why you opted to pay twenty grand more for what could easily be confused as a Toyota. That said, Lexus did fit distinct front and rear fascias – the United Spindle Grille on the front is a love it or hate it design, but the LED Blade taillight across the rear looks clean and tight. Our tester was equipped with the F-Sport package, which added slightly revised front and rear fascias over non-sporty Texases, dark chrome trim, black roof rails and mirrors as well as 22” F-Sport wheels in a dark finish. The overall look is clean, tight and unremarkable.

From a functionality standpoint, my only complaint on the exterior is the door handles. Mankind

perfected the door handle decades ago, we don’t need to attempt innovation where none is needed – the TX has what appear to be traditional door handles, but upon inserting your hand, you’ll find a button and an unmoving handle. Just, for the love of God, please give us traditional, mechanical door handles.

Perhaps Lexus chose to ramp up the differentiation to the Grand Highlander with the interior – for years Lexus has crafted some of the best interiors in the business and the TX is no different. Materials and build quality are phenomenal and everything that your hand naturally touches feels of high quality. Mercifully, the only piano black we could spy is around the frame of the 14” touchscreen running Lexus’ latest interface, which is very easy to operate. Navigation is easy, the system operates with zero lag, it will pull up shortcuts for frequently used items and, new for 2025, Lexus also equips all TX models with a 12.1” configurable digital gauge cluster.

Our tester included the optional Technology Package for $2380, which includes an absolutely

phenomenal Panoramic View Monitor, Advanced Park, a digital rearview mirror and probably the best heads-up display (HUD) I’ve seen in any vehicle. The HUD displays driving information like speed and driver-assist features that you typically find in other vehicles, but its pièce de résistance is that it will also display the steering wheel button your finger is resting upon, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to ensure you’re making the proper selection. It’s absolutely brilliant and this is where innovation pays dividends, unlike door handles.

One surprising feature included with the F-Sport package are the thrones for the driver and front

passenger – it’s surprising to find such well-bolstered sport seats in what is decidedly not a performance crossover, let alone seats that also offer both heating and cooling. Our tester was finished in birch leather, which brightened up the cabin and made it a rather nice place to be. Rear passengers aren’t quite as lucky and make do with traditional captain’s chairs, but Lexus has also seen fit to heat and cool those as well. The coolest feature for rear seat passengers is the little bento box cupholder/organizer that allows passengers to configure where they want drinks, snacks or other items and it’s completely removable so it can be taken into the house, loaded up with snacks and brought back out to the car. That’s a win for any parent whose kids eat their weight daily in snacks.

Cargo room is impressive – the TX includes 20.2cuft behind the third row that balloons up to 57.4 with the third row dropped. The second-row seats even fold to result in a flat loading floor with a massive 97cuft of space. Overall, the interior of the TX is rather excellent, and my only gripe is that Lexus needs to expand the color palette a bit more for F-Sport customers. Give us a nice caramel or peanut butter, which would really pop against that Nightfall Blue exterior.

Driving the TX500h F-Sport is largely fine – it’s a crossover with adequate power after all, but the

suspension tuning is rather questionable. The F-Sport Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension is

underdamped when in “Normal” mode, which results in unnecessary heave and sway over undulating roads. When set to “Sport” the suspension tightens up nicely, and this should really be the standard setting for this 5100-pound crossover.

Toyota and Lexus are the stalwarts of hybrid propulsion and the system in the TX500h is one of the best – it produces a combined 366hp from a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder paired with front and rear electric motors. When you boot it, it’ll put that power down through a six-speed automatic and scoot to 60mph in 6.8 seconds and continue on through the quarter in 15.3 seconds at 90mph. Fuel economy is good for

this large of a rig, achieving 27mpg in the city and 28 on the highway and 481 miles of cruising range.

Aside from the excellent power and efficiency, Lexus has mastered the transition between electric and gasoline power – at low speeds the TX500h will use its electric propulsion before kicking on the gasoline engine and it’s essentially transparent, with the biggest telltale being the little “EV” light on the gauge cluster.

The F-Sport package on the TX is known as the F-Sport Handling package, which makes sense as there’s no additional power. That said, the Dynamic Rear Steering is undeniably good and makes navigating tight parking lots surprisingly easy in this nearly 17-foot-long crossover. Braking is also quite good at 125 feet from 60mph, but pedal feel is mixed and steering is rather numb, even for a crossover with an electric rack. The driver assist suite is comprehensive and includes Proactive Driving Assist, Road Sign Assist, Auto High Beams, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Tracing, the last of which is starting to approach a Level 2 system, similar to Tesla’s Autopilot with how well it can maintain your lane and adjust to traffic flow.

There’s a lot to love about the Lexus TX500h and, with our tester ringing the bell at around $77,000, that should be the case. The biggest problem for Lexus is that Toyota offers the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum with the same powertrain for nearly $20k less that doesn’t look or feel all that different from the Lexus. So, you have to ask yourself, would you rather be a regular mom with an extra $20k in your pocket, or do you want to be the cool mom?