2025 Lexus TX 350 Luxury AWD: A Comprehensive Road Trip Review
The Lexus TX 350 marks a significant evolution for the brand in the three-row SUV segment, finally delivering a truly capacious and family-centric vehicle. This model shines brightest in its primary role: providing abundant space and comfort for all occupants, making it an ideal choice for extended family journeys. However, its performance and interior interface present a mixed bag. While the TX 350 excels in ride quality and interior refinement, it does not quite reach the dynamic prowess or intuitive functionality found in its Toyota sibling, the Grand Highlander, which offers a more engaging driving experience and a more user-friendly cabin at a potentially lower price point. Essentially, the TX 350 prioritizes passenger comfort and luxury ambiance, positioning it as a strong contender for those valuing serene travel over spirited driving dynamics.
Ultimately, the 2025 Lexus TX 350 Luxury AWD emerges as a highly competent three-row SUV, adept at satisfying the demands of large families with its expansive interior and plush amenities. It successfully fills a long-standing gap in Lexus's lineup for a genuinely spacious family hauler, moving beyond the limitations of its predecessors. Despite its luxurious appointments and comfortable ride, it faces stiff competition, particularly from its platform-mate, the Toyota Grand Highlander, which, in its top-tier hybrid variant, offers a more compelling blend of performance and ergonomic design. The TX 350 is a commendable effort from Lexus, delivering on its promise of comfort and space, yet it leaves room for improvement in driving engagement and interior controls when held against the high bar set by some of its contemporaries.
Spacious Design and Luxurious Comfort
The 2025 Lexus TX 350 Luxury AWD is a new entrant in the three-row SUV market, specifically designed to offer ample space and comfort for larger families. After a rigorous 700-mile road trip with a full family, the vehicle demonstrated its capacity to comfortably accommodate adults across all three rows, a notable improvement over previous Lexus attempts at three-row configurations. The interior boasts premium materials, including elegant suede trim, contributing to an upscale ambiance. Practical features like a thoughtful storage solutions, a sliding wireless charging pad, and easily removable cupholders enhance its family-friendly appeal. While the vehicle excels in passenger comfort and luxurious touches, some ergonomic considerations, particularly regarding the shifter and HVAC controls, could benefit from refinement.
Lexus has truly delivered on the promise of family-sized proportions with the 2025 TX 350, a significant stride for a brand that previously struggled in this segment. My real-world test, transporting a family of five over 700 miles, confirmed its exceptional spaciousness, especially in the third row, where even taller adults found sufficient legroom—a clear advantage over rivals like the Mazda CX-90 and Acura MDX. The second-row Captain’s Chairs provide superior comfort and adjustability, complemented by luxurious Alcantara suede trim found throughout the rear cabin. Beyond just space, the TX 350's interior is a haven of thoughtful design, featuring a clever sliding wireless charging pad and removable cupholders that prioritize convenience and organization. The aesthetic is largely appealing, with its modest front and longer rear overhang contributing to an impressive 97 cubic feet of cargo space. However, the polarizing front grille design, which attempts to downplay Lexus's signature spindle shape, and the somewhat unconventional HVAC vents are minor aesthetic and functional quirks. Despite these small criticisms, the cabin's overall comfort, quality materials, and practical storage solutions solidify the TX 350 as a top-tier option for families seeking uncompromised space and luxury on long journeys.
Driving Dynamics and Performance Insights
While the Lexus TX 350 excels in providing a comfortable and quiet cabin for highway cruising, its driving dynamics reveal certain limitations. The 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, struggles at times with the vehicle's 4,420-lb weight, particularly when demanding quick acceleration or navigating varied terrain. This can lead to a less responsive driving feel, characterized by noticeable body roll and vague steering, which detracts from overall driver confidence. In terms of fuel efficiency, the TX 350 AWD achieves a combined rating of 23 mpg, though real-world testing with a full load yielded closer to 21 mpg. Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, perform admirably, offering a relaxed and secure experience on open roads.
The Lexus TX 350's performance on the open road is commendable, offering a serene and composed ride that makes long distances feel effortless. Its well-tuned suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers, while excellent cabin insulation keeps external noise at bay, facilitating easy conversation even at highway speeds. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems are particularly impressive, maintaining consistent speed and distance from other vehicles and accurately centering the SUV within its lane, even on gentle curves, thereby significantly reducing driver fatigue. However, when pushed beyond casual cruising, the TX 350's limitations become apparent. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while adequate for daily commuting, feels somewhat strained under heavy loads, and the eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hunts for the right gear, impacting responsiveness. The steering lacks the precision and feedback found in more dynamically oriented SUVs, and the brake pedal can feel soft, demanding a more deliberate effort for confident stops. In direct comparison, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max offers a more engaging and potent driving experience, with its 362 horsepower and sharper handling characteristics. Ultimately, the TX 350 prioritizes comfort and tranquility over exhilarating performance, making it a comfortable family cruiser but not a driver's SUV.