Electric Cars

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.

A recent journey through Southern California demonstrated how a well-chosen vehicle can transform a simple trip into an enriching exploration. This adventure highlighted the feasibility of affordable, local getaways and the unexpected joys found in the journey itself, proving that memorable experiences don't always demand an extravagant budget. The Nissan Frontier, specifically the Pro-4X model, proved to be an ideal companion, offering a blend of capability and comfort that seamlessly handled diverse terrains, from sprawling urban highways to winding mountain passes. This report delves into the details of the vehicle's performance and the overall experience, underscoring the value of accessible travel and the lasting impressions forged along the open road.

Southern California Expedition: A Nissan Frontier's Lakeside Journey

On a pleasant August 11, 2025, a meticulously planned excursion commenced from the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, California, with the scenic Lake Arrowhead Resort as its ultimate destination. This journey, undertaken by a seasoned automotive journalist, aimed to evaluate the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X's road-tripping prowess and spotlight cost-effective travel opportunities within Southern California. The route artfully transitioned from the expansive freeways of Los Angeles, through the picturesque rural highways, and into the challenging, winding mountain roads leading to Lake Arrowhead.

The vehicle for this adventure was a striking "Afterburn Orange" Nissan Frontier Pro-4X, boasting an approximate price tag of $42,000. Under its hood, every Frontier variant houses a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering a spirited 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Power is efficiently managed by a 9-speed automatic transmission, with the Pro-4X model featuring a traditional 2-speed transfer case for engaging all four wheels when necessary. Its impressive towing capacity, reaching up to 7,150 pounds depending on configuration, positions it competitively within the midsize pickup truck segment. Inside, the Pro-4X offered a sophisticated cabin, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, a telescoping steering wheel, and enhanced power-adjustable seats equipped with Nissan's renowned "Zero Gravity" technology, designed for superior long-haul comfort. Despite these amenities, a minor design flaw was noted: a hard, thin plastic strip on the windowsill where an elbow would naturally rest, causing slight discomfort during extended drives.

The Frontier's on-road performance proved exceptional. Its steering exhibited a commendable weight and precision, ranking among the best in its class. In the mountainous terrain, the vehicle maintained excellent body control, yet its ride remained remarkably smooth even through city environments. The overall fuel economy registered at approximately 19 miles per gallon combined, with figures of 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

The journey itself was a testament to the allure of regional travel. After navigating the initial, congested Los Angeles traffic, the ascent into the mountains heralded a welcome change. Rolling down all windows, including the small rear slider, allowed the refreshing scent of pine and cooler temperatures to permeate the cabin, replacing urban clamor with serene tranquility. Upon arrival, the pristine waters of Lake Arrowhead shimmered, reflecting the surrounding natural beauty and charming lakeside residences.

The chosen accommodation, Lake Arrowhead Resort, though showing signs of age, exuded a distinct charm. Its prime lakeside location, coupled with delectable cuisine and engaging live entertainment, ensured a delightful stay. Future renovations are already planned to further enhance the guest experience. The total estimated cost for this weekend escape, covering lodging, meals, and activities, ranged between $500 and $600, with an additional fuel cost of around $50. This presented a significant saving compared to a recent Las Vegas getaway, which incurred expenses of $800 to $1,100, excluding gambling losses or additional indulgences. A delightful detour during the trip included a nostalgic visit to Baldwin Park, the historic site of the very first In-N-Out Burger. The meticulously recreated original drive-thru and compact museum offered a wonderfully quirky and memorable experience for fast-food enthusiasts.

This journey vividly illustrated that invigorating escapes do not necessitate distant travel or exorbitant expenditures. Southern California harbors numerous accessible treasures like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, providing ideal settings for rejuvenation. The expedition affirmed that a blend of engaging company, a picturesque destination, and a dependable vehicle like the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X are the core ingredients for a truly memorable road trip. The Frontier's blend of rugged capability and refined comfort, its adeptness on demanding mountain roads, and its stylish presence consistently brought a smile to the driver's face, reinforcing its suitability as the perfect companion for such adventures.