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- Best-In-Class Car Seat Hardware: Every seat in the second and third rows has its own lower anchors and tether anchor (captains chairs) — including both third-row seats. That’s a huge win for safety and ease of installation.
- Smart Comfort Features: Heated seats and a heated steering wheel adjust automatically based on cabin temperature — so you get comfort when you need it, without fiddling.
- Clear Rearview Camera: Car seats often block rear visibility but the TX’s rear camera gives a clean, unobstructed view. A small tech detail that makes a big difference in daily life.
The Exterior
Where the Lexus TX Fits in the Lineup
The Lexus TX is a brand-new model, and honestly… it was overdue. Lexus had the RX and RX L, plus the GX and LX, but nothing that truly competed in the three-row midsize SUV space. The TX finally fills that gap.
It shares a platform with the Toyota Grand Highlander, which means the two have a lot in common — but there are also some big differences, especially when it comes to interior design and car seat usability.
The TX comes in gas and hybrid options. The one I’m driving is the TX 350 Luxury trim, with an MSRP right around $69,000.
Exterior Thoughts: Not a Deal Breaker
Let’s start with the exterior and I’ll be honest.
The front grille isn’t my favorite. It feels a little underwhelming in some spots and overwhelming in others. That said, this is not a reason to skip the TX. Everything that really matters for families happens on the inside, and that’s where this vehicle shines.
From the side profile, the TX looks long, sleek, and fresh. I love the chrome detailing across the back — it visually elongates the vehicle and gives it a more premium feel. The multi-spoke alloy wheels (20s standard, 22s on this trim) look sharp, and Lexus opted for the spelled-out Lexus name across the tailgate instead of a traditional logo, which is a nice modern touch.
First Row
Interior & Tech: Lexus Finally Caught Up
Lexus tech has felt outdated for years and I can confidently say that is no longer the case.
Inside the TX you’ll find:
- A heads-up display
- Fully digital gauge cluster
- Large, responsive infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Rearview camera mirror (amazing with car seats blocking visibility)
One standout feature I loved: the heated seats and heated steering wheel automatically adjust based on cabin temperature. If the car doesn’t need them on, they won’t turn on... which actually makes a lot of sense.
Driver-assist features are strong too. The car will alert you if it detects that you’ve looked away from the road too long, which felt helpful rather than annoying.
Storage, Cup Holders & Everyday Use
Up front, storage is thoughtfully done:
- Wireless charger
- Three USB-C ports
- Extra storage under the charger
- Deep center console (yes, it fits a Stanley)
The cup holders are… interesting. They’re large and square, and technically removable which felt unnecessary and a little clunky. I appreciate innovation, but this one didn’t fully land for me.
Visibility is excellent throughout the cabin, and the panoramic sunroof plus large third-row windows make the interior feel light and open.
Second Row
The TX comes with either a bench seat or captain’s chairs. I tested the captain’s chairs setup.
Here’s the honest truth:
Second-row legroom is tight if you’re a taller driver using rear-facing car seats.
With bulkier rear-facing seats installed, I couldn’t get the driver’s seat far enough back to be truly comfortable. This doesn’t make the TX a bad vehicle but it does mean it won’t work for every family.
If you’re tall and running multiple rear-facing seats, I strongly recommend testing more compact seats before committing. At the end of this review I leave some of my carseat recs for this car.
That said, third-row access with captain’s chairs is excellent, especially when using rotating car seats. The aisle is wide, and my older child had no trouble getting back there.
Third Row
The third row is genuinely comfortable for kids and adults.
Highlights:
- Two real seats (no middle seat buckle nightmare)
- USB-C ports on both sides
- Cup holders
- Ceiling vents
- Excellent legroom even with the second row pushed back
My four-year-old had plenty of space and was not braced against the seat in front of him at all.
One critique: the power-recline third-row seats. For young kids, this can actually be a safety issue, because reclining the seat can loosen a car seat installation. It’s something parents should be aware of, especially if kids have access to the controls.
Trunk
For a midsize SUV, the cargo space is outstanding.
The trunk is large, wide, and practical. The third row power-folds completely flat, and the load floor is great for strollers, groceries, sports gear — you name it.
No fancy under-floor storage, but the usable space more than makes up for it.
Safety
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