“I’m in Austin, Texas behind the wheel of the first generation Lexus TX- a brand new three row SUV.”

As you may know, there’s a huge demand for three row luxury SUVs right now and Lexus is meeting that need with its new, family-friendly SUV, the 2024 TX. It offers three powertrains, including two electrified options and five grades.

First is the TX350. It’s powered by a 2.4 liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, which also powers the RX and NX. It delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s available in front and all wheel drive.

Next, is the TX500h F SPORT PERFORMANCE AWD, using a 2.4 liter turbocharged parallel hybrid system it produces 366 horsepower and 406 pound feet of torque.

Lastly, the TX550h+ AWD. This PHEV is powered by a 3.5 VL V6 plug-in hybrid system delivering 404 total system horsepower. Lexus says it has an estimated EV range rating of 33 miles. It’s the first Lexus PHEV assembled in North America and this powertrain will be available at a later date. All three powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

“The TX rides on the GA-K platform, which is shared by the Lexus RX and NX. As a result the TX drives much smaller than you might think it would, which is a good thing. The TX is nimble and the ride is comfortable and overall quiet.”

Thanks in part to the fact that engineers made it a point to strengthen its body, without adding any weight, introduced a rear multi-link suspension design and widened its front and rear tracks.

While the TX does share a basic chassis and some powertrain aspects with the Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX is more refined in both performance and style.

Inside, the cabin feels spacious, comfortable and luxurious. Depending on grade, the second row is available in two configurations: captain’s chairs or a 60:40 split- folding bench. Unlike the RX 350L it replaces, you won’t feel squished in the 3rd row, my drive partner was 6’2 and he still had two inches from his knees to the back of the seat.

As far as cargo space, it comes in at 20.2 cubic-feet which means it can fit seven carry-on suitcases even when the SUV is filled with family and friends. And, cargo capacity increases to 97 cubic feet when both the second and third row are folded down.

The Lexus TX comes standard with a 14-inch touchscreen, which is great, there’s also seven USB ports, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. And tons of safety equipment and convenience features are also standard.

With the addition of the TX, Lexus is one of the only luxury OEMs to offer three unique SUVs in its lineup with an available third row.

The TX 350 starts at just over $55,000. The 500h F Sport Performance Premium starts at more than $69,000. Both models are starting to arrive in dealer showrooms. Pricing for the 550h+ isn’t available yet, but it’s expected to go on sale at the beginning of 2024.

We’ll have a complete Road Test of the 2024 Lexus TX coming up soon on MotorWeek.