2027 Lexus TX Hybrid

Overview

The Lexus TX Hybrid has upscale aspirations, despite being based on the very sensible and family-friendly Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. That’s not a dig—the TX Hybrid seats six passengers and offers a fair amount of cargo space, a solid starting point. It then goes beyond the Toyota by featuring more premium interior materials and wrapping it all in stylish sheet metal with an updated version of Lexus’s trademark spindle grille.

A hybrid powertrain comprising a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors makes a combined 366 horsepower; a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. (The former PHEV version has been discontinued.) While power is more than sufficient for most drivers, the TX Hybrid’s fuel economy is average for the class.

Expert Tip: If you admire the Lexus TX hybrid’s style and luxury features but aren’t ready to go hybrid, check out the less expensive—but also slightly less fuel-efficient—non-hybrid Lexus TX models.

What’s New for 2027?

The big news for 2027 is the discontinuation of the TX550h+ plug-in hybrid variant, leaving the TX500h as the only hybrid choice. TX Hybrids also come only in F Sport trim now as well. Otherwise, changes are limited to minor cosmetic updates, including the Matador Red Mica exterior color; “AWD” badges replace the former “DIRECT4” badging.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year’s model is largely unchanged and you’re comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it’ll cost less than buying new.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Hybrid Powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors
• Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

All TX500hs are powered by a hybrid powertrain consisting of a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for a combined 366 horsepower. A six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are both standard. (The TX550h+ PHEV has been discontinued.) The TX Hybrid is a competent handler, and we were impressed with it through some of Austin, Texas’s twisty hill country. However, over rough pavement, the TX500h models deliver a less than peaceful ride. For maximum comfort, consider the nonhybrid TX350, which takes a softer approach. (We review the nonhybrid TX models separately.)

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0–60-MPH Times

In Comparison: 5.7 seconds to 60 mph is not bad for an SUV crossing the scales at over 5000 pounds. The Mercedes-Benz GLE450e hybrid requires 5.3 seconds to hit 60 mph.

Additional Research

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Max Towing: 5000 pounds

The Lexus TX500h offers a 5,000-pound towing capacity, as does the non-hybrid TX350. A hitch is required and can be added as an accessory by the dealer. That tow rating is mid-pack for the segment.

In Comparison: The GLE450e hybrid can tow up to 7700 pounds.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests: 26 mpg
• EPA City Ratings: 27 mpg
• EPA Highway Rating: 28 mpg

EPA ratings for the hybrid TX500h are 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. and. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the all-wheel drive TX500h F Sport Performance model managed only 26 mpg. For more information about the TX Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

In Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz GLE450e hybrid returned 28 mpg in C/D highway fuel economy testing, and the BMW X5 hybrid returned 26 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: Standard heated and ventilated front seating is comfortable, but the base Premium model gets faux leather while the top Luxury trim gets the real-deal cowhide. Standard features include a power-adjustable steering column, power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver) with heating and ventilation, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel.

Second Row: TX Hybrids come only with second-row captain’s chairs, which get heating and ventilation as standard equipment. Second row passengers also get dedicated climate controls and manual window sunshades.

Third Row: Few vehicles in this segment offer spacious third rows, but the TX’s is at least of sufficient size for kids and pets. Adults will need to be extra limber or extra friendly, preferably both, to sit back there. The TX’s third-row legroom dimensions, however, edge out those of the Volvo XC90; both are tight, but the BMW X5 Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz GLE450e don’t have third rows.

Cargo Capacity: Twenty cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row grows to 57 cubes with it folded, and an impressive 97 with the second-row seatbacks folded. C/D testing of the TX500h F Sport Performance Luxury revealed that five carry-on bags fit behind the third row, 13 behind the second row, and a max of 38 with both rows folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 14-inch touchscreen (standard)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio System: 12-speaker stereo (standard), 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo (optional)

The 14-inch infotainment touchscreen joins a 12.3-inch driver data and instrument screen as standard equipment. A head-up display is available as part of the Technology Package that also includes a 360-degree camera view, a digital rearview camera, and remote parking capability. Seven USB-C ports are located ideally for access in each row. A 120-volt household outlet is available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every TX Hybrid rolls off the assembly line with a suite of driver-assistance features that include adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane centering, and more as part of its Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
• Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving in traffic jams.

For information about the TX’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) we

Source: www.caranddriver.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.