One of the great things about being a Lexus/Toyota owner is I can think fondly of my paid for 8 year old Lexus in the garage while watching this and have no urge whatsoever.
Got my 4Runner in 2006 and mechanically it is pretty much the same thing as a brand new one. Under 150k iplan on driving til it decintegrates (no snow/salt so should be a while)
Drove the Grand Highlander and the TX F Sport back to back. The TX is MUCH nicer vehicle and fit and finish is exemplary. The seats are also MUCH nicer and more comfortable on the TX. The TX was much more quiet. You get what you pay for!! If I had to compare, I agree with Mark that the Grand Highlander is like a boat and the TX much more refined and sporty.
I still own an OG 2006 ls430 and I can’t seem to find a compelling reason to sell it. My wife drives a 2011 Rx350 and it still drives perfectly. When you own a lexus and take good care of it, it will last almost a lifetime 👊🏻
Same here. still own my LS430 with 261K miles on it and it still gets between 25-28mpg on road trips. That V8 is so sweet. Too bad the new cars from Lexus aren’t cut from the same mold as the older generations. May just be the reason I’m looking at adding the 2023 GX460 to the garage. When they’re gone,they’re gone, and so is the refinement and quality or feel of what Lexus built their brand on.
I was shopping for a three-row SUV recently and ended up buying an MDX. The MDX is definetely smaller than the TX, but it is very very smooth. It also handles great for what it is. If you do not need a ton of space on a regular basis, you will love the MDX. Test drive the both see which one fits your needs and easier on your budget.
@@futball24most families needing 3 rows of seating do have kids, so the small 3rd seats aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker for most people. I personally would rather get a smaller size 3 row SUV to fit in my garage rather than a big 3 row, as long as it’s not too small like the regular Highlander or previous generation RXL. If you regularly haul adults in all 3 rows, then minivan is your best choice.
@@futball24 That's correct. My kids are still young, so that should be not an issue for me, but I definitely recommend test driving all the options before making a decision.
One thing you guys should cover is which services in a car are subscriptions or connected services that rely on the company’s long term support for the feature. Lexus charges a subscription for self driving features.
As a new owner of the TX 😁I'll say that this statement is WRONG. And the things they do have a subscription for (minus the sirius XM) are included for the first 3 years. That is actually better than some other companies that will only give you 1 year for the same thing. I bet their motive was to get you really dependent on it over the course of 36 months and then once it is gone then you'll wish you had them lol.
Good to hear that there are differences beyond styling and screens to justify the $10k+ price delta over the Grand Highlander. The PHEV V6 TX will be interesting when it eventually arrives. Another great review by Savage Geese!
@@j.redbeard99oh right, and the Grand Highlander was already a premium Toyota with for example keyless entry on all doors instead of just driver's and hatch
I love that the TX and GX are available at the same time. TX is for the people who want more refinement, slightly easier step in height, and don't care about the 4banger. GX is for those who want the more refined powertrain or those who may want to occasionally tow. I wonder how close they will be in price once the GX pricing is released.
@@upshifter5316 I have two GX and dont know of a single person other than TFL that ever took their GX off road. I'm sure its been done , but haven't seen it. As to the TX, I've driven both it and Grand Highlander and the 4cylinder , even in max model, can be best described as anemic with a load of passengers. Add full fuel and luggage and suddenly that 4 cylinder is the lil engine that couldnt. As we say in drag racing, there's no replacement for displacement.
Just finished a week in the TX 350 AWD as a loaner while my GX was getting some upgrades. Love the tech and the tech layout for the driver. Big screen, buttons where you needed them to be. Those heated seats don't play around. But at the end of the day, it's a people hauler for soccer moms. It didn't get much better MPG than my GX.
what were you averaging MPG after a week of driving? We test drove one and it didn't seem like it was getting great mpg, and I've heard many of these bigger haulers with 4cyl-turbo motors never live up to their EPA rating (idk if that's accurate)
I've had my TX for about 4 weeks now and I'll say this: The Mark Levinson system IN THIS CAR isn't worth the extra 1k. Don't get me wrong, it isn't total trash but I didn't really get the mark Levinson feel until I cranked it past volume level 25ish. For reference I listen to Hip Hop, RnB, Classical and movie cinematic soundtracks. When put past 25, the bass can get deep like a Chicago deep dish pizza. But less than 25 was a bit hard to get the Mark Levinson feel. So, if I have passengers I don't want to have to yell over the sound system. But when I'm by myself I let it BLOW and it does have good sound clarity. So, when alone I sing and can't hear myself over the music hahaha.
These Lexus drive trains are making them more difficult for people to pick this over the Toyota counterparts. The V6 made Lexus unique. I don’t know if they can be competitive without it. Great video SG!!
There is a 550h+ with the 3.5 V-6 as a plug in hybrid with over 400hp. These reviewers should have been clear this is the 350 only but it’s not the only option.
@@MikeForsythebut unfortunately this means that getting the 3.5L v6 in general in the TX will be significantly more expensive than getting a naturally aspirated v6 in just about anything else
ICE cars without the B58 are like burgers without the patty: utterly pointless. The B58 is what seperates man from beast. The ability to have a vehicle with a B58, is what made us who we are today. Without the B58 we could have never achieved success as a species and would have been wiped out by smallpox centuries ago. If I remember correctly, the B58 was what enabled Caesor to conquer the Gauls. The B58 was what inspired Einstein to think of time and space in relative terms, whilst also being to muse that enabled Steve Jobs to create the iPhone. "Without the B58, there is no hope, no life, no sense of meaning, to distract humanity from death and despair" - Friedrich Nitzsche (probably)
Hell yesss more 3 row suv goodness, im sure Mark couldnt contain his excitement when Jack told him what he had booked next! Inject more 3 rows into my veins auto industry!
They have it as a plug-in hybrid model called the 550h. Unfortunately, bigger displacement engines are paired with hyrbid systems as a compromise so that they meet emissions and fuel standards, and also so they remain competitive.
Yep. You want trouble? Have a 4 cylinder pull a 3500 lbs suv. And a turbo? Ha. Good luck getting 50k out of a turbo. Ur gonna replace that thing 4 or 5 times
Stunned to see you compare the turbo 6 in the Type S to the 4 banger in the Lexus. I own both the TLX Type S and the new Lexus NX 350. The powertrain in the Acura is smooth, sounds great and has effectively no turbo lag. The 4 cylinder in the Lexus is the opposite. It's barely suitable for a compact SUV. Can't imagine it in a full-size, three row.
That’s because this is the base I-4 Turbo. it makes 275hp and 317lbs of torque. More than the TLX base or Aspec. It’s perfectly fine as a base motor. The TX 500h F Sport Performance has a 366hp I-4 turbo hybrid with 409lbs of torque. Significantly more than the tlx or mdx type s. The TX 550h+ is a 3.5 V-6 plug in hybrid. The V-6 in the type s is unfortunately slowest in class with the worst mpg in class. Heaviest too. But yea it’s a V-6 lol
@@MikeForsythe none of what you said is relevant to my post. They compared the Turbo 6 in the MDX Type S to the 4 banger in the TX 350 and said they were comparable. That's what I'm responding to.
@@cultofmodernism8477 actually it is because they shouldn’t be comparing the base model TX 350 to the mdx type s. They should be comparing the more powerful TX 500h F SPORT Performance to the Type S. 🙂
@@cultofmodernism8477I think their comparison to the Type S V6 was for how it sounds, not for how it performs. I was a bit surprised by what they said too.
Thank you for all you do.. I miss baldy acting pissed off getting the seats moved in the back.. I love that sooo much… cause that’s what will happen on at least one day in the cars life.. you 2 together give the most practical and no nonsense breakdown on everything you guys cover.. hope you can keep it going as long as you can.. love you both
Good luck trying to find that 550h+ it's using the rav4 prime battery pack plus the 2gr V6 and Lexus told me 12-14 month wait. Even when it launches it'll be a unicorn on the road.
Wow! How refreshing. You spoke actual truth! A $60-70K, 3 row SUV with a "rattley ass 4 cylinder". The engine, which is the centerpiece of any vehicle, in this car disqualifies it for the price you pay. Shameful. The devolution of the brand as Lexus moves away from NA V6's and V8's and to a more 'profit directed' business model of higher driveline complexity = higher replacement part cost and profit for Lexus. A joke.
Agreed. I originally called it all over the internet and said the tx would be dead on arrival even before it was unveiled And I’m so glad I was right. Everyone on here laughed and called me the internets biggest Toyota hater out there. Yet it’s me who got the last laugh.
@@moloono1 I thought you were referring to the GX but I wasn't sure. Actually I'm surprised there are so many GX(older gen) on the lots. I suppose everyone is waiting for the much hyped new version. Are they dropping the prices on the old gen yet?
The more i see the TX the more I’m liking the styling, at first I hated it but now I think it’s actually very attractive. I’ve driven the turbo 4 in the NX and while it has a lot of torque, I do agree that it’s a little rattly, but the hybrid max version in the grand Highlander is the opposite, it’s very smooth and refined imo, and I’m willing to bet that it’s even more refined on the TX, I’m also happy to hear that it’s quite and comfortable as I felt the NX was a little too stiff, granted I was in an F-sport trim. One of the main Achilles heel of the MDX imo is that it’s not nearly as big as the dimensions suggest despite being based on the Pilot platform, the 3rd row is too small, it’s closer to the size of the regular Highlander. The TX solves that main gripe for me
I just replaced my NX tires just recently to non runflats. It’s the 350 f sport version and it drives amazing now. Granted it’s a given that any normal tire would ride far better than the OEM runflats, I am just appalled that Lexus does not equip them (especially the f sport versions) with normal tires from the factory. What’s even more upsetting is that if you remove the trunk storage bins you have enough space to put a spare tire.
I agree, the 4 cylinder is a real turn off. You know, if they put two of those 4 pots side by side and coupled them to distribute the power stroke and balance the reciprocating pistons...
@@RellupNorth Correct. I’m holding on to my 2017 RX solely for its NA V6. Was disappointed in the new RX drivetrain, specially that’s it’s priced at $98k for a loaded one, and was considering to upgrade to the TX once it was teased, hoping it’ll have a V6. Long commutes at 90mph in hot dry weather in a hybrid or a turbocharged powertrain is so inefficient.
@@PlayafromtheHimalayas They started to realize that people are so prideful that as long as the logo is different, they'll still buy the Lexus variant. But it's true, they're really getting lazier and lazier with these rebadges.
This is like the old days when GM would take most of the innards of a Chevrolet, re-bend the sheet metals, and a call the resulting vehicle a Buick, or an Oldsmobile, maybe a Pontiac, or with a more deeluxe interior, a Cadillac.
Absolutely love everything about this when I test drove it....except...exactly what these gentlemen said. The 4 cylinder sounds horrible, and is completely out of steam on the highway. A high speed passing maneuver is not happening with it. Put a TT V6 in it and I would have bought it, or the V8 that's in my IS500. I am NOT in the market for any hybrid or full EV vehicle. This is such a beautiful nice driving vehicle..let down by EPA requirements.
I know you said you don't want a hybrid, though I'm not sure why. The 500h solves the power problem and drives great with the F-sport handling changes. Feels like a v6. When buying a Lexus, I don't know why anyone would want an underpowered car. It harms the brand image. 500h should be the base powertrain, with 550h as an option. No need for a V8 in this thing. If you want that kind of power, get the LX
in my opinion - the interior does not appear 'luxurious' (at least looking at it in videos). If I were cross shopping with a Mazda CX-90, for example, I'd think the Mazda was a much more expensive car. Toyota had some nice interiors in their Lexus cars about 10 years ago - but now, they are just plain with little to no real attempt at design. Recently, Mazda and Hyundai/Kia are at least thinking outside the box and using new-ish materials and colors in their cars. Toyota reliability is top notch - but they really need to hire new designers.
I'm a baby boomer and to me, luxury cars have real wood in their interiors. I'd love to put this TX side-by-side with a top trim Palisade or Telluride and give them a good looking over. While the Korean twins don't have wood either (that I can remember?) they also aren't sold as luxury cars - for that go see Genesis. I suspect where the TX wins over the others is in NVH and ride control, which is what the reviewers were saying. So which one is more important? An individual decision (obviously.)
The new integration of Toyota Connected leads me to agree with you wholeheartedly. I think Mazda's approach, with less screen, more physical controls, and more of a focus on design is both more visually and mechanically pleasing - but then again, I'm interacting with screens for 8+hr a day for work and want them as invisible in my car as possible, so I may be the exception, rather than the rule.
Lots of comments on most reviews about v6 and the 4/turbo. The move for all manufacturers towards 4 and 4 turbos are due to emission and mpg requirements imposed by the government. Aim your disgust where it belongs. 4's are "rattly" by design. Get your 6's while you can. One of the reasons I bought a 2024 es350.
That's my confusion: generally, they were talking as if they would be cross shopped. A regular Tahoe makes more sense. What do I know anyway? I'll never be buying a "utility vehicle" of any sort. I do appreciate and enjoy their coverage of mass selling vehicle types I could care less about.
With the GrandHighlander selling 10k over MSRP in our area we paid almost the same price for our TX luxury trim as we would have for the GH we were looking at.
Yeah I bought a top trim Luxury AWD 2023 RX 350h that costs more than a top trim TX which looks like basically a little bigger RX with a third row as far as I can tell. Basically the same engine too except the RX at least comes with a regular hybrid drive if you don't want a turbo (which is insane because turbos are reliability question marks and get worse gas mileage for the same cost to the penny to buy at least in the 2023 RXs). I personally really hate turbos. I wish the TX at least came with the same 4 cylinder hybrid as the RX or the same engine as the Sienna so I could get 30+ mpg and not have a turbo.
Lexus has a "give you what you want" problem with the TX. The 550h+ is the top-of-the-line plug-in with the V6, clear and away the model to get right?... Sorry, with that trim, despite dishing top coin, you're just gonna have to make do w/ no pano roof, no rear-wheel steering, no spare wheel. That last part is a deal breaker, bc no way in hell am I giving my family a chance to get stranded. I'm not waiting an hour+ for AAA to save the day when I can change a wheel myself in under 10 minutes. Well then I'll just settle for 2nd best then right? But wait, that model is F-Sport only? Looks better, sure. But I don't want 22 inch rims on summer tires and uncomfortable sport seats. This isn't a friggin' sports car. It's a Lexus , not a BMW. It should be as comfortable as possible. Alright then, that leaves us with the 350. Ah, yes. The weakest, least refined powertrain of the bunch. Probably, the best value of the bunch, yeah. But, then you're left with the "TX" and all the issue that plague all the models. No saddle or beige interior options. Really, a 2-tone brown that has zero contrast, 2-tone white (would this be wise with the kiddos?), and... black? No wood interior trim at all?.. Sorry, guess you're just left w/ UX-level interior styling and finishes. Also, no sunshade option for that big ass square window in the third-row? Nor seat heater options for the third-row? Little Timmy is just gonna have to freeze his little butt off back there, huh? Everyone else will be nice and toasty. Isn't the tagline for the TX "every seat is the best seat?" Surely, that can't be. And then, there's no Lexus Escalade/Navigator competitor. Which would be the ultimate solution to the rich suburban family -- a reliable Escalade. Which Toyota could have very well done if they didn't screw up the Sequoia by giving it a useless third-row thanks to a live rear-axle. Toyota/Lexus's North American market execution is just straight-up infuriating.
Agree with everything you said. Maybe eventually Sequoia will get an IRS, allowing for a proper 3rd row and proper cargo space with 3rd row folded. I was excited to see the new Sequoia - for about 10 seconds. They'd also have to add another foot (?) to it to be as long as an Escalade (actually I don't know that for sure so maybe I'm talking crap.)
LX600 is an Escalade competitor based on price. Speaking of which -- did GM ever fix the water leaks and electrical issues in the dash they were having with the Escalade? In terms of the 550 -- the Pano Roof was ditched to save weight, the battery pack on that model weighs quite a bit and takes up a good amount of space. Hence the lack of a spare (weight saving as well). 3rd row heated seats? Even though you do have HVAC back there in the roof?
@@jsfbay1I don't know of any BOF Toyota that has IRS unfortunately. Realistically the pack should be under the front seats or the 2nd row, but then you've got a driveshaft to deal with and other things.
@@LoneWolfSparty Even though they cost similar, the LX does not compete directly w/ the Escalade. Sure they're both luxury full-size SUVs but that's where the similarities end. The LX is an off-road oriented SUV based on the Land Cruiser 300 platform which is a dedicated off-road platform. The Escalade is a bougie people-mover w/ a proper third row that has zero credence off-road. Spare wheel is understandable, but still a disappointment nonetheless. No pano roof to save weight is what you call marketing BS to save manufacturing cost and advertise higher EV range. An extra 100-150 lbs on the roof is not gonna reduce range by a significant margin Third row heated seats are an option on even non-luxury third-row SUVs like the Telluride and Palisade. I think it's fair to point out that a Lexus which costs $15k-20k more doesn't even have the option.
Cross shop this against the Hyundai Pallaside Calligraphy. The Pallaside has a nicer interior and is more comfortable. Yes, the Pallaside isn't a "luxury" car I know, but the TX isn't a step up from it. The exception would be the 500h trim. I ended up purchasing a fully loaded Palisade Calligraphy over the TX. No regrets.
Having been at the Hyundai dealership yesterday with my Genesis, downside is the dealership. Older salesman was a bit embarrassed when I had to ask together unblocked, because they had blocked me in my parking spot.
Got one last week and we absolutely love it. Agreed, not cheap, but when you start adding the premium features we wanted to the Toyota Grand Highlander - you get to the same price point ($55k).
I was just going to ask, why would anyone get the GH over this when shopping in that $55K range? There's zero reason to do so IMO. Especially, if all you want is a luxury type riding 3-row and don't need AWD. Yes, I know the 4-cyclinder talk but almost everyone is heading that direction. Even the Atlas has a turbo 4 and it does just fine being the same size as the GH and this TX.
Because the 55k bottom end tx350 doesn't have awd or a panoramic roof. It also loses the refined hybrid engine for the 4 cylinder. The tx350 also loses the grand highlander's 2-2-3 seating config in favor of 2-3-2 which feels less luxurious. Then, if you get captains chairs to keep the luxurious 2nd row feel, you go from 7 down to 6 seats. Then you're asking yourself why you're buying a 3 row suv if you only get 6 seats. If you're stuck there, then the 500 or 550 is never an option in the first place because they only offer 6 seats. If you get past that and consider a 500 or 550, then you're left wondering why they don't have air suspension or massage seats for the price point, and why the interior feels so basic and non-luxury. Most of the trim and engine options don't make sense for anyone when comparing it to the highlander or competition except for grand parents who still have friends. The only true selling point is that it has it a comfortable 3rd row seat. However, now you have to consider the annoying seating configs all over again. They messed this up.
Very true. 90% of people would not know a CVT vs a conventional automatic or differences in suspension based on drive mode selected. Paint colour, look, brand badge and cup holders are more important.
I picked up a TX350 premium AWD with a few extra add ons for 59k and out the door after taxes was a little over 65k. Compared to the toyota mark ups and selling price I don't see why anyone would buy a Grand Highlander over a TX.
Excellent review of this vehicle this week. I think you hit all the relevant points that would matter in the segment. I would also add, that coupled with all the points you made, the potentially better reliability and ultimately greater resale value would put this car at the top of the pile.
The Toyota/Lexus…”it’s reliable” people are going to buy a bunch of these things. They just threw this out without much effort and people are going to love it.
9/10 times, I would recommend the Grand Highlander. All the TX adds are more electromechanical systems, including the touchpad controls on the steering wheel, *optional* AVS dampers, and electronic-actuated door handles that will probably fail before a cable-actuated door handle.
Yup cus Lexus and Toyota never have been reliable… never seen it … 😅🤦🏾♀️ y’all ain’t never drivin these vehicles and have so many definitive statements 😅
@@LoneWolfSparty I suppose. I get customers in all the time complaining about their soft-closing doors. Even though there is a failsafe, when it does malfunction, the customer will still have to pay money to fix it.
I dont get what they were thinking with the way they optioned out the trims. The 500 doesn't offer 7 seats, air suspension, massage seats and then only the 500 luxury trim has the panoramic roof. The low end tx350 is 10k more than the grand highlander's hybrid max top end model but only has the 4 cylinder. But if you get the tx equivalent hybrid engine (500h) then you lose 7 seats and pay 15k. They're forcing me to get the highlander hybrid max. I don't want that. I want the lexus hybrid engine with captains chairs and 3 seats in the third row for a luxury feel for adults, while the kids sit in the back. If, and only if I had that, then they STILL don't offer air suspension or massage seats, which I would totally spring for.
In the everything is expensive segment it looks pretty good inside and out, rides quiet, most will barely notice the 4 popper and shouldn’t have to be in the shop a lot. Why not?
Cars fundamentally aren't designed they were 30 years ago. Everything is about cost savings, engineering things to within a knifes edge safety margin to keep costs down. As our understanding of materials have improved, that safety margin has gotten smaller and smaller over time. Thats why engines/ appliances from the 60s-80s can still work without issue; they were intentionally overbuilt
@@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast yet the consumer flocks to enable manufacturers to price gouge while I drive my $5000 paid for v8 runner forever. Everyone has lost sight of the big picture
But, how would we know if today's stuff won't be running for 30 years like you say 60s and 80s stuff do? I think it's all relative and no one can make the point that you're trying to make. In the 80s my dad drove a GM car that had a lot of issues since new. He ended up trading it in for a Ford after a year. The Ford did well for a couple of years, but the engine died. Also, my mom had a Dodge that started falling apart in a couple of months. But, then I bought a 2014 Accord and the thing has had zero issues for 10 years. The argument of "they don't make them as they used to" is a bit of a looking through rose tinted glasses exercise.
I was in the market for a 3-row SUV recently. The TX was in my shopping list but after seeing the price tag, the trims, and styling I changed my mind. It is expensive, ugly, and underpowered for what it is. The hybrid model looks like an appealing package (forget the styling for a moment), but it is overpriced and comes with captains chairs only. I have a large family and bench seat is not even an option in the hybrid drive train. I ended up getting an MDX for a lot less money than a mid-trim TX. Basically, I sacrificed the space and got a very smooth drive train, nicer styling, and a smaller price tag. We will see what the long-term outcome of this decision going to be.
You’re gonna like the MDX better in my opinion because the styling is better and the interior materials is a whole lot better Lexus used to have interiors where they had a cut and sewn theme and they used to wrap leather on every panel. Now they’re interiors are becoming basic boringand to me they just don’t feel as luxurious as Lexus of old
I was in the market for an SUV and I thought the same. The Lexus RX was way overpriced and so I ended up with an Acura RDX A spec; I couldn't be happier! The MDX is a badass too!
@@danielruth7379 Agreed. The interior of the TX did not look like $60k car interior. I guess it is practical and all, but it feels like copy+paste interior in all Lexus products.
@@jean-luceyesofyoureyes5502 I am truly impressed by the smoothness of the drivetrain in MDX. I have had Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas, in the past and still own a Lexus; if I knew that Acuras are so smooth, I would have gotten Acuras instead of the other brands.
I'm still in the same boat you were in. The lack of 2nd-row bench seat in the Hybrid Max (or whatever Lexus calls it) drivetrain is a non-starter (same problem as Grand Highlander.) MDX is looking better and better but my wife thinks it's not big enough.
Wow, Lexus is really stepping back from the "separate luxury brand" mantra to the "Toyota plus" ideology. This thing is a snoozemobile that is barely discernable from a Toyota.
Great car. Tried to talk my wife into it but she just didn't like it. Mazda is the ultimate value proposition for well dressed cars with buttoned down driving and classy looks
One option the guys missed in their discussion was Jeep Grand Cherokee L (bc the segment is so massive). While it has a different set of strengths/weaknesses, in terms of cargo capacity, it’s in a really interesting spot with the TX as the largest unibody 3-rows.
Took them long enough. I wish Lexus wouldn't have waited to jump into the large 3-row crossover segment; we didn't like the big truck-based SUVs. I might have bought one a couple of years ago, although it is on the pricey side considering it's a 4-banger. As it is, we "settled" for a top end Telluride (we're very happy with it, it's been a great vehicle). Will be curious to know more about the TX PHEV. That I think is the one we would be most interested in.
@@naveenthemachinescrewed up a car that isn't out yet, and yet has best in class cargo room behind the 3rd row? You certainly have a weird definition of 'screwed up'
@@LoneWolfSparty exactly. It’s not out yet and they screwed it up. In a time where the competition is stiff especially from the telluride and palisade the tx fails to compete with those yet it costs significantly more
@@naveenthemachine something that's not out yet is already screwed up. Got it. Kind of how Hyundai/Genesis screwed up the GV80 with it's engine and differential failures right? But reliability doesn't matter according to you right? Time isn't money or anything right?
The Toyota/Lexus internal market is what makes this a hard sell. It will keep the loyal Lexus customers but I don’t know that a 10-20k delta is with refinement . Unless you’re a suburban realtor and want to have the Lexus flex with out having a jumbo edition
X7 is a great 3-row SUV, you're going to miss the amazing handling and legendary inline 6. But the TX is just roomier and has way more cargo space when the third row is occupied. Still, personally, I would find that a hard trade to make.
@@HiddenWen It depends on why you need the three-row. If it's strictly for carting rug rats around and loading up on food at Costco, the drivetrain stuff probably matters a bit less. Being able to actually get in and out of the third row easily is going to quickly pay dividends. I say this as someone who grew up with 6 siblings and had to pile in and out of the third row of a Yukon XL all the time.
They give you a crap JBL system, they won’t give you a good system until you go Lexus. Meanwhile everyone else, except Honda and Ford, have better “premium” systems.
Simply, I don't understand Lexus strategy. The hybrid that many would buy, is only available in sport configuration with a so uncomfortable seats that hurts on long drives. The price of the hybrid well equipped becomes also very expensive. The 2nd row seats on well equipped models only available as captain chairs, but why?? why I cannot opt for a bench seat. The plug in will be a one configuration model that is priced crazy high. So why did Lexus do this???
Agree 100% about lack of 2nd row bench seat. Have you driven the TX such that you know first hand about the seat comfort? I've sat in a Grand Highlander and it seemed fine, but I don't know what it would be like an hour down the road.
@jsfbay1 I drove the same car as in the video and everything is basically the same as in an NX or RX the seats are exactly the same. It would be a fine seat, but no hybrid is available. If you choose the hybrid model (that I would) than the seats are exactly the same as in the RX 500h's sport seats, which are terrible. The plug in will be very expensive, but the seats will be just as in the 350. I think it is a totally messed up strategy for the car, but I am sure there is an answer somewhere as why couldn't lexus come out with a normal comfortable seat choice with a hybrid engine beyond my imagination. I am almost certain that they will eventually, just maybe a year or so later.
I just want to say that I really appreciate for as long as I've watched your videos your eye has always been on what matters. Use case. Does the car match the competitors in its price point. Does the way in which you purchase/lease/rotate cars match the way the car will both require maintenance and retain value. If you're a buyer who doesn't care then is this the best way to piss away money or is there a better option. While I do appreciate the gimmicks some of my favorite car reviewers engage in, when it comes to actually taking advice on what car I should buy from someone I consistently follow your guidance over others. Thank you.
If you don’t care about matching the competition you should just get a cheap Toyota. As for dealer experience that can only go so far You get a great experience one time but you overpaid for a generally mediocre vehicle that’s so called luxury
Built in America, designed in a vacuum? The upcoming 2024 midsized Sante Fe is going to have a usable third row so why isn’t the third row here designed to be equally functional space wise
One thing I don't get is why they require premium fuel if it only makes 10 horsepower more than a Grand Highlander. Thats an extra five grand in fuel costs over ten years for almost no additional performance. They also should have a removable middle seat like an MDX.
For what exactly? Track work..absolutely. Taking the family up to the lake...not likely. The i-Force max drivetrain absolutely craps all over the mileage of the MDX Type S.
sucks that Lexus is now truly rebadging.... this is just a lux grand highlander...... come on Lexus... I hope the next gen UX, IS, ES is something better! but sucks that they know all share the same infotainment lol... nothing too unique now... I know lexus materials are much much nicer and ride is better in a Lexus... just wish they made things Exclusive to Lexus, Happy that the RX500h F sport Level 3 in ultra white with red interior is unique enough
Yeah, I also lament how Porsche is simply rebadging Audis except, I don't care. I've driven a Macan - feels entirely different to drive than a Q5. And Mark and Jack even talk about the same thing with the TX here. They say it is far more refined and handles better than the Grand Highlander.
Lexus took a step backwards in exterior design on this one. Looks like a cheap POS Hyundai. Does not have the appearance of a PREMIUM product and feels "rushed". Interior-wise, very nicely done. The Grand Highlander looks way better. I have some time before I start pumping out the babies, so, hopefully, they update the front end with a mid-cycle refresh. Or...make a Grand Highlander with a SPORT package.
I wonder if there’s a 4 cylinder Mark likes, or if in general 4 cylinders don’t sound good to him. Now I’m wondering what the best sounding stock 4 cylinder is.
Mark? Absolutely: The F20 and F22 from the S2000, at a minimum. Which then makes the average 2-liter turbo 4 cyl that everybody uses now sound like absolute garbage by comparison. Jack? He only likes inline 4's when you put two of them together in a vee.
The only good sounding modern turbo 4s coming to mind are the Elantra N and the A45 S.. because they both sound like raucous rally cars instead of just industrial equipment
I think the issue with a lot of people, perhaps Mark included, is the use of 4-cylinder in heavier vehicles.... where under load they sound and feel unrefined because they are working hard to move a lot of mass. This is particularly where they feel inappropriate for a lot of the vehicles they are put in these days.
This confirms that I will not trade in my 2022 V6 Highlander Limited for the Lexus TX 350. I live in a cold place and hybrids do not work here. Plus, the lithium hybrid batteries hold less of a charge each passing year that you park it outside or even use it outside in the snow and ice. Toyota needs to bring back the V6 engines since fuel economy is about the same as the V4. The GX is an option as well as the 4runner for now until they pull those and make those hybrid too. Then I will be changing brands.
One of the great things about being a Lexus/Toyota owner is I can think fondly of my paid for 8 year old Lexus in the garage while watching this and have no urge whatsoever.
Got my 4Runner in 2006 and mechanically it is pretty much the same thing as a brand new one. Under 150k iplan on driving til it decintegrates (no snow/salt so should be a while)
@@jpm1544no snow means it'll last 500k miles easy
@@jpm1544 omg I wish I had no snow and salt on mine.
My 2005 ES330 spends winters in the garage. I think that car is going to outlive me.
I’m romanticizing the idea of buying a 2023 (final year) GX 460 and driving it until I die. I’m 38 years old.
Drove the Grand Highlander and the TX F Sport back to back. The TX is MUCH nicer vehicle and fit and finish is exemplary. The seats are also MUCH nicer and more comfortable on the TX. The TX was much more quiet. You get what you pay for!! If I had to compare, I agree with Mark that the Grand Highlander is like a boat and the TX much more refined and sporty.
Which of them had a softer ride quality, particularly over rougher roads, in your opinion?
yea, I did the same thing. They are the same car the Lexus interior feels like Luxury VS the Highlander feel great but not as nice lol
I guess if you have kids that are going to get the interior dirty anyways; size of vehicle which are targeting families, GH makes sense
@@ibz.a GH still doesn’t make as much sense as TX though. Different animals in refinement. .
You nailed it, the agility and sportiness of the 500f is much better than the GH, way more solid and refined
I still own an OG 2006 ls430 and I can’t seem to find a compelling reason to sell it. My wife drives a 2011 Rx350 and it still drives perfectly. When you own a lexus and take good care of it, it will last almost a lifetime 👊🏻
Same here. still own my LS430 with 261K miles on it and it still gets between 25-28mpg on road trips. That V8 is so sweet. Too bad the new cars from Lexus aren’t cut from the same mold as the older generations. May just be the reason I’m looking at adding the 2023 GX460 to the garage. When they’re gone,they’re gone, and so is the refinement and quality or feel of what Lexus built their brand on.
11:00 -- Really liked the comparison between the other 7-seaters. The MDX is what came to mind and was curious of your thoughts. Nailed it, thanks!
I was shopping for a three-row SUV recently and ended up buying an MDX. The MDX is definetely smaller than the TX, but it is very very smooth. It also handles great for what it is. If you do not need a ton of space on a regular basis, you will love the MDX. Test drive the both see which one fits your needs and easier on your budget.
@@de_mir the MDX is better than the dressed up rav4
@@futball24most families needing 3 rows of seating do have kids, so the small 3rd seats aren’t necessarily a dealbreaker for most people. I personally would rather get a smaller size 3 row SUV to fit in my garage rather than a big 3 row, as long as it’s not too small like the regular Highlander or previous generation RXL. If you regularly haul adults in all 3 rows, then minivan is your best choice.
@@naveenthemachine and the TX is NOT a dressed up Rav4, not even close.
@@futball24 That's correct. My kids are still young, so that should be not an issue for me, but I definitely recommend test driving all the options before making a decision.
You guys know how to review vehicles…that’s the Final Thought. 👍👍
Thanks, I really appreciate not using any music, just calm focused talking
One thing you guys should cover is which services in a car are subscriptions or connected services that rely on the company’s long term support for the feature. Lexus charges a subscription for self driving features.
The ninth circle of hell is reserved for the guy that came up with “everything as a subscription” concept.
lexus does not charge subscription for self driving features. are you confused with the safety connect service?,
@@gilboman lol don't give Lexus idea. Next thing you know you gotta pay subscription in order to drive lol.
As a new owner of the TX 😁I'll say that this statement is WRONG. And the things they do have a subscription for (minus the sirius XM) are included for the first 3 years. That is actually better than some other companies that will only give you 1 year for the same thing. I bet their motive was to get you really dependent on it over the course of 36 months and then once it is gone then you'll wish you had them lol.
Good to hear that there are differences beyond styling and screens to justify the $10k+ price delta over the Grand Highlander. The PHEV V6 TX will be interesting when it eventually arrives. Another great review by Savage Geese!
what are the other differences? also you used to get a V6 in a base Highlander, such a shame what Toyota is doing
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 Jack and Mark go over the other differences in the video. It’s a shame, but the times they are a changing.
The PHEV V6 TX is essentially the North American Toyota Century SUV.
@@Tolkytolkytolky that just makes the Century even saddet
@@j.redbeard99oh right, and the Grand Highlander was already a premium Toyota with for example keyless entry on all doors instead of just driver's and hatch
6:45 Lexus Texas test drive
9:30 Rattly 4-cyl
11:00 vs MDX-S
14:20 Quiet, comfortable and huge
Lexus really captured the heard of Americans by calling this the TX.
@@m4z805😂
@@m4z805the herd… if you’re going to insult someone at least use correct spelling.
@@ClinicalDecisionYikesYTI'm thinking 'heart' not 'herd'
@@ClinicalDecisionYikesYTThey definitely meant heart not herd.
I love that the TX and GX are available at the same time. TX is for the people who want more refinement, slightly easier step in height, and don't care about the 4banger. GX is for those who want the more refined powertrain or those who may want to occasionally tow. I wonder how close they will be in price once the GX pricing is released.
TX for people who are realistic about their needs, GX for people who are aspirational.
That said I’ll have mine in GX please
@@upshifter5316 as someone who drives a 4Runner and never goes off road, I agree with you. 😂
The Tx is for folks who have no idea what luxury is. The gx is for folks who mythically plan to off-road
Gx 550 starts at 62,900 for the base Premium trim and tops out at 79,900 for the Luxury + trim
@@upshifter5316 I have two GX and dont know of a single person other than TFL that ever took their GX off road. I'm sure its been done , but haven't seen it. As to the TX, I've driven both it and Grand Highlander and the 4cylinder , even in max model, can be best described as anemic with a load of passengers. Add full fuel and luggage and suddenly that 4 cylinder is the lil engine that couldnt. As we say in drag racing, there's no replacement for displacement.
Great production as always, gentlemen. Looking forward to the next one!
Just finished a week in the TX 350 AWD as a loaner while my GX was getting some upgrades. Love the tech and the tech layout for the driver. Big screen, buttons where you needed them to be. Those heated seats don't play around. But at the end of the day, it's a people hauler for soccer moms. It didn't get much better MPG than my GX.
what were you averaging MPG after a week of driving? We test drove one and it didn't seem like it was getting great mpg, and I've heard many of these bigger haulers with 4cyl-turbo motors never live up to their EPA rating (idk if that's accurate)
What happened to the audio engineer review of the sound systems? We’ve been missing those lately.
I've had my TX for about 4 weeks now and I'll say this: The Mark Levinson system IN THIS CAR isn't worth the extra 1k. Don't get me wrong, it isn't total trash but I didn't really get the mark Levinson feel until I cranked it past volume level 25ish. For reference I listen to Hip Hop, RnB, Classical and movie cinematic soundtracks. When put past 25, the bass can get deep like a Chicago deep dish pizza. But less than 25 was a bit hard to get the Mark Levinson feel. So, if I have passengers I don't want to have to yell over the sound system. But when I'm by myself I let it BLOW and it does have good sound clarity. So, when alone I sing and can't hear myself over the music hahaha.
These Lexus drive trains are making them more difficult for people to pick this over the Toyota counterparts. The V6 made Lexus unique. I don’t know if they can be competitive without it. Great video SG!!
Exactly.. it sounds like a can of dried beans. Thats a lotta money for a tractor engine.
There is a 550h+ with the 3.5 V-6 as a plug in hybrid with over 400hp. These reviewers should have been clear this is the 350 only but it’s not the only option.
@@MikeForsythebut unfortunately this means that getting the 3.5L v6 in general in the TX will be significantly more expensive than getting a naturally aspirated v6 in just about anything else
Just $20k more for the TX500h.
@@bassandtrebleclefexactly!! 😢😢
Love the jazz in the musical track in the transitions!
What's the catch?
No B58
ICE cars without the B58 are like burgers without the patty: utterly pointless. The B58 is what seperates man from beast. The ability to have a vehicle with a B58, is what made us who we are today. Without the B58 we could have never achieved success as a species and would have been wiped out by smallpox centuries ago. If I remember correctly, the B58 was what enabled Caesor to conquer the Gauls. The B58 was what inspired Einstein to think of time and space in relative terms, whilst also being to muse that enabled Steve Jobs to create the iPhone.
"Without the B58, there is no hope, no life, no sense of meaning, to distract humanity from death and despair"
- Friedrich Nitzsche (probably)
@@leviathan5207 AI-grading bot gives you 24% for your essay.
😂
2022 CPO BMW X7 low mileage used. Same price as this. Gets you the straight 6. 🤔. Interesting.
😂I just love when Mark goes crazy and bro tries to keep a straight face😂
Hell yesss more 3 row suv goodness, im sure Mark couldnt contain his excitement when Jack told him what he had booked next! Inject more 3 rows into my veins auto industry!
If only they'd kept the legendary Toyota V6 in these things, they'd be just about perfect by my reckoning.
They have it as a plug-in hybrid model called the 550h. Unfortunately, bigger displacement engines are paired with hyrbid systems as a compromise so that they meet emissions and fuel standards, and also so they remain competitive.
Thats why I'm happily keeping me 3UZ and 1GR, although I trust Toyotas new stuff a good deal almost as much.
Thats why I'm happily keeping me 3UZ and 1GR, although I trust Toyotas new stuff a good deal almost as much.
Love the V6 also listen let things move on let things progress, if there’s any manufacturer we can trust to do it well it’s this brand. 😊
Yep. You want trouble? Have a 4 cylinder pull a 3500 lbs suv. And a turbo? Ha. Good luck getting 50k out of a turbo. Ur gonna replace that thing 4 or 5 times
Stunned to see you compare the turbo 6 in the Type S to the 4 banger in the Lexus. I own both the TLX Type S and the new Lexus NX 350. The powertrain in the Acura is smooth, sounds great and has effectively no turbo lag. The 4 cylinder in the Lexus is the opposite. It's barely suitable for a compact SUV. Can't imagine it in a full-size, three row.
I’ve driven the nx350 and compared to my 2020 v6 Camry the Camry destroys the nx in every way
That’s because this is the base I-4 Turbo. it makes 275hp and 317lbs of torque. More than the TLX base or Aspec. It’s perfectly fine as a base motor.
The TX 500h F Sport Performance has a 366hp I-4 turbo hybrid with 409lbs of torque. Significantly more than the tlx or mdx type s. The TX 550h+ is a 3.5 V-6 plug in hybrid.
The V-6 in the type s is unfortunately slowest in class with the worst mpg in class. Heaviest too. But yea it’s a V-6 lol
@@MikeForsythe none of what you said is relevant to my post. They compared the Turbo 6 in the MDX Type S to the 4 banger in the TX 350 and said they were comparable. That's what I'm responding to.
@@cultofmodernism8477 actually it is because they shouldn’t be comparing the base model TX 350 to the mdx type s. They should be comparing the more powerful TX 500h F SPORT Performance to the Type S. 🙂
@@cultofmodernism8477I think their comparison to the Type S V6 was for how it sounds, not for how it performs. I was a bit surprised by what they said too.
Thank you for all you do.. I miss baldy acting pissed off getting the seats moved in the back.. I love that sooo much… cause that’s what will happen on at least one day in the cars life.. you 2 together give the most practical and no nonsense breakdown on everything you guys cover.. hope you can keep it going as long as you can.. love you both
Good luck trying to find that 550h+ it's using the rav4 prime battery pack plus the 2gr V6 and Lexus told me 12-14 month wait. Even when it launches it'll be a unicorn on the road.
You sure about that?
9 months later there are over 500 for sale in the U.S. Check Edmunds. 😂
@@NomenClature-o8s Edmunds shows 3 500h+s in the country. Not a clue where you're getting 500
Thanks for confirming it feels like a Lexus as some people are saying it doesn’t look like a Lexus
A Texas Lexus? This perplexes my ex's subcortex.
Could you please do a video on Lexus and Toyota's subscription model? I hate it so much.
Eminem wants to know your location😂
Lexus Texas.
Great vid gentlemen!!
I really dig the authentic Jazz in the bckgrd👊🏽👊🏽
The styling is so clean and tasteful.
If Maynard Kennan had a nerd younger brother, it'd be Mark.
Wow! How refreshing. You spoke actual truth!
A $60-70K, 3 row SUV with a "rattley ass 4 cylinder".
The engine, which is the centerpiece of any vehicle, in this car disqualifies it for the price you pay.
Shameful. The devolution of the brand as Lexus moves away from NA V6's and V8's and to a more 'profit directed' business model of higher driveline complexity = higher replacement part cost and profit for Lexus.
A joke.
Agreed. I originally called it all over the internet and said the tx would be dead on arrival even before it was unveiled
And I’m so glad I was right. Everyone on here laughed and called me the internets biggest Toyota hater out there. Yet it’s me who got the last laugh.
So thankful I picked up the last V8 GX a few months back. Granted its a bit tight compared to this size wise. But a 4 cylinder, in a luxury, f that.
There are so many on the lot at my local dealer. Waiting for the new one I guess
@@moloono1 so many what?
@@wally6193 V8 GXs
You did this correctly.
@@moloono1 I thought you were referring to the GX but I wasn't sure. Actually I'm surprised there are so many GX(older gen) on the lots. I suppose everyone is waiting for the much hyped new version. Are they dropping the prices on the old gen yet?
12:54 the “Ughuh” had me laughing when he took that turn Fast
The more i see the TX the more I’m liking the styling, at first I hated it but now I think it’s actually very attractive. I’ve driven the turbo 4 in the NX and while it has a lot of torque, I do agree that it’s a little rattly, but the hybrid max version in the grand Highlander is the opposite, it’s very smooth and refined imo, and I’m willing to bet that it’s even more refined on the TX, I’m also happy to hear that it’s quite and comfortable as I felt the NX was a little too stiff, granted I was in an F-sport trim. One of the main Achilles heel of the MDX imo is that it’s not nearly as big as the dimensions suggest despite being based on the Pilot platform, the 3rd row is too small, it’s closer to the size of the regular Highlander. The TX solves that main gripe for me
I just replaced my NX tires just recently to non runflats. It’s the 350 f sport version and it drives amazing now. Granted it’s a given that any normal tire would ride far better than the OEM runflats, I am just appalled that Lexus does not equip them (especially the f sport versions) with normal tires from the factory. What’s even more upsetting is that if you remove the trunk storage bins you have enough space to put a spare tire.
I can’t get past putting a 4 cylinder in these big vehicles at this price. Give me a 6 cylinder and I’d buy it.
Consider the Mazda CX-90.
@@rdm925 until they put torque converter in it, no consideration
@valpanig Yeah, the gearbox in the CX-90 is trash and holds the engine back.
*V8
4 popper fwd😂
I agree, the 4 cylinder is a real turn off. You know, if they put two of those 4 pots side by side and coupled them to distribute the power stroke and balance the reciprocating pistons...
Sounds like you're describing a German engine lol
This car will dominate retirement communities
I’m a Lexus driver.
But with the migration to turbo charged 4-cylinder, I’ve started to look for other brands for my future vehicles.
Calm down.
Plug-in TX still has the V6 non turbo
@@Hernsamahow are you gonna try to tell them how to spend their money. Nobody wants to hear a 4 cylinder when you're paying 50k plus
@@RellupNorth Correct. I’m holding on to my 2017 RX solely for its NA V6.
Was disappointed in the new RX drivetrain, specially that’s it’s priced at $98k for a loaded one, and was considering to upgrade to the TX once it was teased, hoping it’ll have a V6.
Long commutes at 90mph in hot dry weather in a hybrid or a turbocharged powertrain is so inefficient.
@@enzoTHEferrariI can't imagine anything is efficient at 90 mph as you are fighting drag, especially on boxy cars.
Toyota and Lexus are really starting to blend together
Take a look at the new 2024 Camry styling. Grill looks very similar to lexus
Which is not a good thing. There needs to be enough differences, at least by looks, so the brand can stand on it's own.
@@PlayafromtheHimalayas They started to realize that people are so prideful that as long as the logo is different, they'll still buy the Lexus variant.
But it's true, they're really getting lazier and lazier with these rebadges.
@@rsac43even the 2015-24 Camry looks like a Lexus
This is like the old days when GM would take most of the innards of a Chevrolet, re-bend the sheet metals, and a call the resulting vehicle a Buick, or an Oldsmobile, maybe a Pontiac, or with a more deeluxe interior, a Cadillac.
Absolutely love everything about this when I test drove it....except...exactly what these gentlemen said. The 4 cylinder sounds horrible, and is completely out of steam on the highway. A high speed passing maneuver is not happening with it. Put a TT V6 in it and I would have bought it, or the V8 that's in my IS500. I am NOT in the market for any hybrid or full EV vehicle. This is such a beautiful nice driving vehicle..let down by EPA requirements.
I know you said you don't want a hybrid, though I'm not sure why. The 500h solves the power problem and drives great with the F-sport handling changes. Feels like a v6. When buying a Lexus, I don't know why anyone would want an underpowered car. It harms the brand image. 500h should be the base powertrain, with 550h as an option. No need for a V8 in this thing. If you want that kind of power, get the LX
Detailer did a great job with the lines on the trunk mat and back of the rear seats.
It’s not an SUV, it’s just a 4 door minivan. 70k for a 4 cylinder is crazy. No 4 cylinder is worth over 20k for today’s pricing.
in my opinion - the interior does not appear 'luxurious' (at least looking at it in videos). If I were cross shopping with a Mazda CX-90, for example, I'd think the Mazda was a much more expensive car. Toyota had some nice interiors in their Lexus cars about 10 years ago - but now, they are just plain with little to no real attempt at design. Recently, Mazda and Hyundai/Kia are at least thinking outside the box and using new-ish materials and colors in their cars. Toyota reliability is top notch - but they really need to hire new designers.
Not to me either. I don't think your impression is wrong.
I'm a baby boomer and to me, luxury cars have real wood in their interiors. I'd love to put this TX side-by-side with a top trim Palisade or Telluride and give them a good looking over. While the Korean twins don't have wood either (that I can remember?) they also aren't sold as luxury cars - for that go see Genesis. I suspect where the TX wins over the others is in NVH and ride control, which is what the reviewers were saying. So which one is more important? An individual decision (obviously.)
The new integration of Toyota Connected leads me to agree with you wholeheartedly. I think Mazda's approach, with less screen, more physical controls, and more of a focus on design is both more visually and mechanically pleasing - but then again, I'm interacting with screens for 8+hr a day for work and want them as invisible in my car as possible, so I may be the exception, rather than the rule.
Yeah, the TX's interior is just so dour.
Lexus pulled a volvo regards to the engine offers?
Lots of comments on most reviews about v6 and the 4/turbo. The move for all manufacturers towards 4 and 4 turbos are due to emission and mpg requirements imposed by the government. Aim your disgust where it belongs.
4's are "rattly" by design. Get your 6's while you can. One of the reasons I bought a 2024 es350.
It's all a bunch of BS anyway. The 4 banger turbo only gets marginally better MPG than the NA V6.
@aaronbrown6266 and reduces emissions by half so it's not bs. Don't take my word for it, look it up.
This approach has worked for the ES and RX forever, which makes sense. Isn't a Suburban in similar trimmings 10k more?
But much larger and can tow much more.
A suburban is two feet longer.
That's my confusion: generally, they were talking as if they would be cross shopped. A regular Tahoe makes more sense. What do I know anyway? I'll never be buying a "utility vehicle" of any sort. I do appreciate and enjoy their coverage of mass selling vehicle types I could care less about.
Yeah at this point, I’m buying gmc Yukon with a v8 over this crap
Yeah, 'Burban gets well into the $90,000 range for the High Country trims, and I think every other one I see driving around is a High Country
I’m was pleasantly surprised, Jack didn’t hate on it for not being a Chivy.. good work Jack.
With the GrandHighlander selling 10k over MSRP in our area we paid almost the same price for our TX luxury trim as we would have for the GH we were looking at.
You must be in the San Francisco Bay Area! ADM here is out of control 😞
IT is same story in most of the places, I got a 68K drive out for GH and 65K for TX. 0 markup on TX and 2-4 weeks wait time.
"Rattley-ass 4 cyl - sounds like it come from a $30,000 car"
I'm shocked you guys didn't mock this by repeatedly saying "lexus texas"
I'm sure a lot of men have fantasized about getting inside A Lexus Texas for years.
Purchased a 2023 RX for my wife, absolutely surprised the pricing is so similar.
Good she can now cheat on you with ease and style
@@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT lol!!!
Good, I hope she appreciated it, though.
Yeah I bought a top trim Luxury AWD 2023 RX 350h that costs more than a top trim TX which looks like basically a little bigger RX with a third row as far as I can tell. Basically the same engine too except the RX at least comes with a regular hybrid drive if you don't want a turbo (which is insane because turbos are reliability question marks and get worse gas mileage for the same cost to the penny to buy at least in the 2023 RXs). I personally really hate turbos. I wish the TX at least came with the same 4 cylinder hybrid as the RX or the same engine as the Sienna so I could get 30+ mpg and not have a turbo.
The more I do my research I am getting to a point I want to buy 2023 gx 460 even it's old but atleast I know what I am getting into
Lexus has a "give you what you want" problem with the TX. The 550h+ is the top-of-the-line plug-in with the V6, clear and away the model to get right?... Sorry, with that trim, despite dishing top coin, you're just gonna have to make do w/ no pano roof, no rear-wheel steering, no spare wheel. That last part is a deal breaker, bc no way in hell am I giving my family a chance to get stranded. I'm not waiting an hour+ for AAA to save the day when I can change a wheel myself in under 10 minutes.
Well then I'll just settle for 2nd best then right? But wait, that model is F-Sport only? Looks better, sure. But I don't want 22 inch rims on summer tires and uncomfortable sport seats. This isn't a friggin' sports car. It's a Lexus , not a BMW. It should be as comfortable as possible.
Alright then, that leaves us with the 350. Ah, yes. The weakest, least refined powertrain of the bunch. Probably, the best value of the bunch, yeah. But, then you're left with the "TX" and all the issue that plague all the models. No saddle or beige interior options. Really, a 2-tone brown that has zero contrast, 2-tone white (would this be wise with the kiddos?), and... black? No wood interior trim at all?.. Sorry, guess you're just left w/ UX-level interior styling and finishes. Also, no sunshade option for that big ass square window in the third-row? Nor seat heater options for the third-row? Little Timmy is just gonna have to freeze his little butt off back there, huh? Everyone else will be nice and toasty. Isn't the tagline for the TX "every seat is the best seat?" Surely, that can't be.
And then, there's no Lexus Escalade/Navigator competitor. Which would be the ultimate solution to the rich suburban family -- a reliable Escalade. Which Toyota could have very well done if they didn't screw up the Sequoia by giving it a useless third-row thanks to a live rear-axle.
Toyota/Lexus's North American market execution is just straight-up infuriating.
Agree with everything you said. Maybe eventually Sequoia will get an IRS, allowing for a proper 3rd row and proper cargo space with 3rd row folded. I was excited to see the new Sequoia - for about 10 seconds. They'd also have to add another foot (?) to it to be as long as an Escalade (actually I don't know that for sure so maybe I'm talking crap.)
NAILED IT.
LX600 is an Escalade competitor based on price. Speaking of which -- did GM ever fix the water leaks and electrical issues in the dash they were having with the Escalade?
In terms of the 550 -- the Pano Roof was ditched to save weight, the battery pack on that model weighs quite a bit and takes up a good amount of space. Hence the lack of a spare (weight saving as well). 3rd row heated seats? Even though you do have HVAC back there in the roof?
@@jsfbay1I don't know of any BOF Toyota that has IRS unfortunately. Realistically the pack should be under the front seats or the 2nd row, but then you've got a driveshaft to deal with and other things.
@@LoneWolfSparty Even though they cost similar, the LX does not compete directly w/ the Escalade. Sure they're both luxury full-size SUVs but that's where the similarities end. The LX is an off-road oriented SUV based on the Land Cruiser 300 platform which is a dedicated off-road platform. The Escalade is a bougie people-mover w/ a proper third row that has zero credence off-road.
Spare wheel is understandable, but still a disappointment nonetheless. No pano roof to save weight is what you call marketing BS to save manufacturing cost and advertise higher EV range. An extra 100-150 lbs on the roof is not gonna reduce range by a significant margin
Third row heated seats are an option on even non-luxury third-row SUVs like the Telluride and Palisade. I think it's fair to point out that a Lexus which costs $15k-20k more doesn't even have the option.
Cross shop this against the Hyundai Pallaside Calligraphy. The Pallaside has a nicer interior and is more comfortable. Yes, the Pallaside isn't a "luxury" car I know, but the TX isn't a step up from it. The exception would be the 500h trim. I ended up purchasing a fully loaded Palisade Calligraphy over the TX. No regrets.
No not even the 500h or 550h are luxury
Having been at the Hyundai dealership yesterday with my Genesis, downside is the dealership. Older salesman was a bit embarrassed when I had to ask together unblocked, because they had blocked me in my parking spot.
Got one last week and we absolutely love it. Agreed, not cheap, but when you start adding the premium features we wanted to the Toyota Grand Highlander - you get to the same price point ($55k).
I was just going to ask, why would anyone get the GH over this when shopping in that $55K range? There's zero reason to do so IMO. Especially, if all you want is a luxury type riding 3-row and don't need AWD. Yes, I know the 4-cyclinder talk but almost everyone is heading that direction. Even the Atlas has a turbo 4 and it does just fine being the same size as the GH and this TX.
Because the 55k bottom end tx350 doesn't have awd or a panoramic roof. It also loses the refined hybrid engine for the 4 cylinder.
The tx350 also loses the grand highlander's 2-2-3 seating config in favor of 2-3-2 which feels less luxurious. Then, if you get captains chairs to keep the luxurious 2nd row feel, you go from 7 down to 6 seats.
Then you're asking yourself why you're buying a 3 row suv if you only get 6 seats. If you're stuck there, then the 500 or 550 is never an option in the first place because they only offer 6 seats.
If you get past that and consider a 500 or 550, then you're left wondering why they don't have air suspension or massage seats for the price point, and why the interior feels so basic and non-luxury.
Most of the trim and engine options don't make sense for anyone when comparing it to the highlander or competition except for grand parents who still have friends.
The only true selling point is that it has it a comfortable 3rd row seat. However, now you have to consider the annoying seating configs all over again.
They messed this up.
As sad as it is, in this segment very few people care about how it drives.
I'd argue that most people don't care how their car drives, regardless of segment.
@@leviathan5207 well, yep. But that’s not the reason to stop caring about it.
Very true. 90% of people would not know a CVT vs a conventional automatic or differences in suspension based on drive mode selected. Paint colour, look, brand badge and cup holders are more important.
Thats not true. People simply value different qualities of driving. A comfortable, composed driving car is valid for a luxury vehicle buyer
That's literally every segment. Driving dynamic do not appeal to the masses. Idk why so many "car enthusiasts" cannot comprehend this.
I picked up a TX350 premium AWD with a few extra add ons for 59k and out the door after taxes was a little over 65k. Compared to the toyota mark ups and selling price I don't see why anyone would buy a Grand Highlander over a TX.
Excellent review of this vehicle this week. I think you hit all the relevant points that would matter in the segment. I would also add, that coupled with all the points you made, the potentially better reliability and ultimately greater resale value would put this car at the top of the pile.
Can't wait for the Hybrid. The other competitors you neglected to mention would include the Audi Q7 and Lincoln Aviator and maybe the Jeep Wagoneer.
4 cylinder turbo: mid 300hp and about 400ish ft/lbs of torque. Imagine if they put this engine into the GR86.
YES
For real. That dogshit Subaru motor almost single-handedly makes buying an ND Miata make sense.
The new Traverse / Acadia would probably compare more to this than the Tahoe / Suburban
Alexis Texas ?
The point being no one who buys this drives like that
A boat setup makes more sense
The Toyota/Lexus…”it’s reliable” people are going to buy a bunch of these things. They just threw this out without much effort and people are going to love it.
That's usually how it goes, if this were an American vehicle, the comments would be filled with hate.
The searing question remains: does Mark like this as much as he loved the refreshed Atlas?
Without Mark, Jack reverts to technical spec quoting and popular opinion gabbing. With Mark, the actual truth comes out. ❤
9/10 times, I would recommend the Grand Highlander.
All the TX adds are more electromechanical systems, including the touchpad controls on the steering wheel, *optional* AVS dampers, and electronic-actuated door handles that will probably fail before a cable-actuated door handle.
Yup cus Lexus and Toyota never have been reliable… never seen it … 😅🤦🏾♀️ y’all ain’t never drivin these vehicles and have so many definitive statements 😅
You know there's a failsafe in case it doesn't open normally right? Like ALL modern cars have?
@@LoneWolfSparty I suppose. I get customers in all the time complaining about their soft-closing doors. Even though there is a failsafe, when it does malfunction, the customer will still have to pay money to fix it.
@@LoneWolfSparty I'm pretty sure the Aviator doesn't have a analog way to open the door like the TX does
we drove both, the GH drives like piss compared to the TX. The GH is a yacht on wheels, or feels like it
I dont get what they were thinking with the way they optioned out the trims.
The 500 doesn't offer 7 seats, air suspension, massage seats and then only the 500 luxury trim has the panoramic roof.
The low end tx350 is 10k more than the grand highlander's hybrid max top end model but only has the 4 cylinder. But if you get the tx equivalent hybrid engine (500h) then you lose 7 seats and pay 15k.
They're forcing me to get the highlander hybrid max. I don't want that. I want the lexus hybrid engine with captains chairs and 3 seats in the third row for a luxury feel for adults, while the kids sit in the back.
If, and only if I had that, then they STILL don't offer air suspension or massage seats, which I would totally spring for.
Thank you so much for another great review. I always enjoy watching you guys, especially now as a new Lexus RX450HFsp owner.
How do you like it?
@@youngblood23rb I like it a lot I just wish they made a suspension a lot tighter in Sport Plus but honestly I don’t really heed it :)
Love the way that even a boat gets yeeted about 😂
In the everything is expensive segment it looks pretty good inside and out, rides quiet, most will barely notice the 4 popper and shouldn’t have to be in the shop a lot. Why not?
Tech is moving away from traditional reliability. Look at all the new tundra/sequoia issues. Only time will tell.
I’ll stick with my 2UZ tho
Cars fundamentally aren't designed they were 30 years ago. Everything is about cost savings, engineering things to within a knifes edge safety margin to keep costs down. As our understanding of materials have improved, that safety margin has gotten smaller and smaller over time. Thats why engines/ appliances from the 60s-80s can still work without issue; they were intentionally overbuilt
@@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast yet the consumer flocks to enable manufacturers to price gouge while I drive my $5000 paid for v8 runner forever. Everyone has lost sight of the big picture
But, how would we know if today's stuff won't be running for 30 years like you say 60s and 80s stuff do? I think it's all relative and no one can make the point that you're trying to make. In the 80s my dad drove a GM car that had a lot of issues since new. He ended up trading it in for a Ford after a year. The Ford did well for a couple of years, but the engine died. Also, my mom had a Dodge that started falling apart in a couple of months. But, then I bought a 2014 Accord and the thing has had zero issues for 10 years. The argument of "they don't make them as they used to" is a bit of a looking through rose tinted glasses exercise.
@@HumbleHonkingEnthusiast cars 30 years ago were all reliable and safe? Good to know.
Does anyone like those massive Lexus grilles? I don’t get the design language there.
Lexus grills are designed to passively inhibit xenomorph attacks through biomimicry.
The form follows the function.
I was in the market for a 3-row SUV recently. The TX was in my shopping list but after seeing the price tag, the trims, and styling I changed my mind. It is expensive, ugly, and underpowered for what it is. The hybrid model looks like an appealing package (forget the styling for a moment), but it is overpriced and comes with captains chairs only. I have a large family and bench seat is not even an option in the hybrid drive train. I ended up getting an MDX for a lot less money than a mid-trim TX. Basically, I sacrificed the space and got a very smooth drive train, nicer styling, and a smaller price tag. We will see what the long-term outcome of this decision going to be.
You’re gonna like the MDX better in my opinion because the styling is better and the interior materials is a whole lot better Lexus used to have interiors where they had a cut and sewn theme and they used to wrap leather on every panel. Now they’re interiors are becoming basic boringand to me they just don’t feel as luxurious as Lexus of old
I was in the market for an SUV and I thought the same. The Lexus RX was way overpriced and so I ended up with an Acura RDX A spec; I couldn't be happier! The MDX is a badass too!
@@danielruth7379 Agreed. The interior of the TX did not look like $60k car interior. I guess it is practical and all, but it feels like copy+paste interior in all Lexus products.
@@jean-luceyesofyoureyes5502 I am truly impressed by the smoothness of the drivetrain in MDX. I have had Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas, in the past and still own a Lexus; if I knew that Acuras are so smooth, I would have gotten Acuras instead of the other brands.
I'm still in the same boat you were in. The lack of 2nd-row bench seat in the Hybrid Max (or whatever Lexus calls it) drivetrain is a non-starter (same problem as Grand Highlander.) MDX is looking better and better but my wife thinks it's not big enough.
You guys need a Patagonia sponsorship😂
Wow, Lexus is really stepping back from the "separate luxury brand" mantra to the "Toyota plus" ideology.
This thing is a snoozemobile that is barely discernable from a Toyota.
Honestly the winner in this segment is probably the CX-90 for me. You just can't beat an Inline 6.
Great car. Tried to talk my wife into it but she just didn't like it. Mazda is the ultimate value proposition for well dressed cars with buttoned down driving and classy looks
Stretchy pants and Stanley mug required
Grand Cherokee L. All day.
Just wait until the Stellantis puts the Hurricane I-6 in it.
One option the guys missed in their discussion was Jeep Grand Cherokee L (bc the segment is so massive). While it has a different set of strengths/weaknesses, in terms of cargo capacity, it’s in a really interesting spot with the TX as the largest unibody 3-rows.
Took them long enough. I wish Lexus wouldn't have waited to jump into the large 3-row crossover segment; we didn't like the big truck-based SUVs. I might have bought one a couple of years ago, although it is on the pricey side considering it's a 4-banger. As it is, we "settled" for a top end Telluride (we're very happy with it, it's been a great vehicle). Will be curious to know more about the TX PHEV. That I think is the one we would be most interested in.
It took them long enough yet they still screwed this up 😂
@@naveenthemachinescrewed up a car that isn't out yet, and yet has best in class cargo room behind the 3rd row? You certainly have a weird definition of 'screwed up'
@@LoneWolfSparty exactly. It’s not out yet and they screwed it up. In a time where the competition is stiff especially from the telluride and palisade the tx fails to compete with those yet it costs significantly more
@@naveenthemachine something that's not out yet is already screwed up. Got it. Kind of how Hyundai/Genesis screwed up the GV80 with it's engine and differential failures right? But reliability doesn't matter according to you right? Time isn't money or anything right?
@@LoneWolfSparty screwing up reliability is normal in any new model.
The gv80 was executed so much better.
The Toyota/Lexus internal market is what makes this a hard sell. It will keep the loyal Lexus customers but I don’t know that a 10-20k delta is with refinement . Unless you’re a suburban realtor and want to have the Lexus flex with out having a jumbo edition
So far sounds like over 60% of sales are from other brands
I have a X7 and want to trade for TX when lease is up. Your thoughts on pros and cons are much appreciated. Great context..
X7 is a great 3-row SUV, you're going to miss the amazing handling and legendary inline 6. But the TX is just roomier and has way more cargo space when the third row is occupied. Still, personally, I would find that a hard trade to make.
@@HiddenWen It depends on why you need the three-row. If it's strictly for carting rug rats around and loading up on food at Costco, the drivetrain stuff probably matters a bit less. Being able to actually get in and out of the third row easily is going to quickly pay dividends. I say this as someone who grew up with 6 siblings and had to pile in and out of the third row of a Yukon XL all the time.
Yep. The X7 is more of an X5 L. Whereas the TX is a proper, no bs spawn hauler.@@ARentz07
I test drove this TX350 and the RX350, I like the RX better. I feel the TX is a better value when compared to the RX.
If I could get a top trim Highlander with a Mark Levinson sound system, I would be happy.
They give you a crap JBL system, they won’t give you a good system until you go Lexus. Meanwhile everyone else, except Honda and Ford, have better “premium” systems.
@@Get_yottedHonda’s 12 speaker Bose isn’t that bad, I’ve heard good things about it, it’s on par with other competitors.
Might be time for Toyota to give Harmon Kardon a try perhaps?
Agree, the four cylinder with the hybrid is the way to go for most toyotas
Simply, I don't understand Lexus strategy. The hybrid that many would buy, is only available in sport configuration with a so uncomfortable seats that hurts on long drives. The price of the hybrid well equipped becomes also very expensive. The 2nd row seats on well equipped models only available as captain chairs, but why?? why I cannot opt for a bench seat. The plug in will be a one configuration model that is priced crazy high. So why did Lexus do this???
Agree 100% about lack of 2nd row bench seat. Have you driven the TX such that you know first hand about the seat comfort? I've sat in a Grand Highlander and it seemed fine, but I don't know what it would be like an hour down the road.
@jsfbay1 I drove the same car as in the video and everything is basically the same as in an NX or RX the seats are exactly the same. It would be a fine seat, but no hybrid is available. If you choose the hybrid model (that I would) than the seats are exactly the same as in the RX 500h's sport seats, which are terrible. The plug in will be very expensive, but the seats will be just as in the 350. I think it is a totally messed up strategy for the car, but I am sure there is an answer somewhere as why couldn't lexus come out with a normal comfortable seat choice with a hybrid engine beyond my imagination. I am almost certain that they will eventually, just maybe a year or so later.
I just want to say that I really appreciate for as long as I've watched your videos your eye has always been on what matters. Use case. Does the car match the competitors in its price point. Does the way in which you purchase/lease/rotate cars match the way the car will both require maintenance and retain value. If you're a buyer who doesn't care then is this the best way to piss away money or is there a better option. While I do appreciate the gimmicks some of my favorite car reviewers engage in, when it comes to actually taking advice on what car I should buy from someone I consistently follow your guidance over others. Thank you.
If you don’t care about matching the competition you should just get a cheap Toyota. As for dealer experience that can only go so far
You get a great experience one time but you overpaid for a generally mediocre vehicle that’s so called luxury
Not enough differentiation
Built in America, designed in a vacuum? The upcoming 2024 midsized Sante Fe is going to have a usable third row so why isn’t the third row here designed to be equally functional space wise
The front is slightly odd, but overall it looks amazing! Well done Lexus.
Lexus GX 460 still is the best car money can buy.
Laptime on ACC south?
Too fast to time.
Lexus Texas sounds like an adult film star.
Her photo shoot in Tetas Gigantes was inspiring.
No piano black trim? I need to make a couple of phone calls.
What's the catch lol? It's more than $100k - that's a huge catch
One thing I don't get is why they require premium fuel if it only makes 10 horsepower more than a Grand Highlander. Thats an extra five grand in fuel costs over ten years for almost no additional performance. They also should have a removable middle seat like an MDX.
MDX Type S w/ Advance package is way better
For what exactly? Track work..absolutely. Taking the family up to the lake...not likely. The i-Force max drivetrain absolutely craps all over the mileage of the MDX Type S.
nordstorm parking lots gonna be full of these
How many of us are watching this knowing damn well we will never be able to rationally afford it?
Just work more hours BRO
Can afford it, don't need or want it, but still interested in it.
surprised they didn't include the Jeep Grand Cherokee L when discussing other vehicles in the class
sucks that Lexus is now truly rebadging.... this is just a lux grand highlander...... come on Lexus... I hope the next gen UX, IS, ES is something better! but sucks that they know all share the same infotainment lol... nothing too unique now... I know lexus materials are much much nicer and ride is better in a Lexus... just wish they made things Exclusive to Lexus, Happy that the RX500h F sport Level 3 in ultra white with red interior is unique enough
Yeah, I also lament how Porsche is simply rebadging Audis
except, I don't care. I've driven a Macan - feels entirely different to drive than a Q5. And Mark and Jack even talk about the same thing with the TX here. They say it is far more refined and handles better than the Grand Highlander.
Lexus took a step backwards in exterior design on this one. Looks like a cheap POS Hyundai. Does not have the appearance of a PREMIUM product and feels "rushed". Interior-wise, very nicely done. The Grand Highlander looks way better. I have some time before I start pumping out the babies, so, hopefully, they update the front end with a mid-cycle refresh. Or...make a Grand Highlander with a SPORT package.
I wonder if there’s a 4 cylinder Mark likes, or if in general 4 cylinders don’t sound good to him. Now I’m wondering what the best sounding stock 4 cylinder is.
That depends on your exhaust set up too
Mark? Absolutely: The F20 and F22 from the S2000, at a minimum.
Which then makes the average 2-liter turbo 4 cyl that everybody uses now sound like absolute garbage by comparison.
Jack? He only likes inline 4's when you put two of them together in a vee.
The only good sounding modern turbo 4s coming to mind are the Elantra N and the A45 S.. because they both sound like raucous rally cars instead of just industrial equipment
He obviously likes the Honda K20/2.0T since he owns a Civic Type R. Most 4 bangers sound like rental cars, it's hard to sell in a "luxury car."
I think the issue with a lot of people, perhaps Mark included, is the use of 4-cylinder in heavier vehicles.... where under load they sound and feel unrefined because they are working hard to move a lot of mass. This is particularly where they feel inappropriate for a lot of the vehicles they are put in these days.
This confirms that I will not trade in my 2022 V6 Highlander Limited for the Lexus TX 350. I live in a cold place and hybrids do not work here. Plus, the lithium hybrid batteries hold less of a charge each passing year that you park it outside or even use it outside in the snow and ice. Toyota needs to bring back the V6 engines since fuel economy is about the same as the V4. The GX is an option as well as the 4runner for now until they pull those and make those hybrid too. Then I will be changing brands.