2025 Lexus TX 500h Review: Opt for the Grand Highlander Instead

      Caleb Jacobs

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      Currently, there is an overwhelming selection of three-row crossovers and SUVs available. You can use any online tool that appeals to you to establish your priorities, and soon enough, you'll have anywhere from five to 15 options in front of you. Some choices are budget-friendly, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, while others can be pricier than a luxury sports car. Take a look at the price of a new Escalade, and you’ll understand.

      The 2025 Lexus TX 500h is not the budget option and it’s also not the most luxurious one—and in a different context, it might seem like the ideal choice. However, in our reality, it lacks the space or luxury to attract wealthy American families, all while being priced out of reach for many. This makes it more of an $80,000 compromise than anything else.

      The TX 500h isn’t a bad vehicle, it just doesn’t stand out. Yes, the interior is as beautiful as any Lexus, but the brand provides better options for a similar price. Additionally, it is a reliable Toyota at its core, but you could save some money and opt for the mechanically similar Grand Highlander instead.

      Instead of hitting the sweet spot, it firmly lands in an uncertain territory.

      Caleb Jacobs

      The Basics

      Lexus has a range of crossover models, and the TX is its latest addition, specifically designed for the U.S. market. It debuted in the 2024 model year and is available in three variants: the TX 350, 500h, and 550h+. This review focuses on the mid-range model.

      Most TX models appear quite similar, though my test vehicle featured the F Sport package, which adds some sporty aesthetics. The roof rails, window trim, and mirrors are black instead of shiny, and the front fascia has a more sculpted look with wider openings in the bumper flanking the spindle grille. The car I drove also featured exclusive 22-inch wheels for this trim.

      Although I could have cleaned the fingerprints off, how else would you know that the screen attracts smudges? Caleb Jacobs

      Upon opening the door, you’re welcomed with specially designed leather-trimmed seats that are heated and ventilated. Lexus emphasizes its F Sport model status with logos on the scuff plates, and to heighten the sporty feel, the pedals are made of aluminum. Additionally, there’s a panoramic sunroof and Mark Levinson premium audio for enjoying some excellent classical music (or in my case, the latest Twenty One Pilots album).

      TX 500h models are equipped with a 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain, akin to what’s found in a Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner. Interestingly, it produces more power in the Lexus—366 horsepower in the TX compared to 326 hp in the Toyotas—though it's paired with a six-speed automatic instead of the eight-speed used in those models. All-wheel drive is standard for TX hybrid vehicles.

      Driving the Lexus TX 500h

      The TX provides a comfortable driving experience, even for someone large like me—as long as the passenger in the back isn't too tall. I tend to sit quite far back in any vehicle, and while all six-foot-five of me fit nicely behind the wheel, my back became uncomfortably familiar with my child’s feet. Space was tight with her in the car seat, so if your family setup resembles mine and you’re as tall as I am, it’s worth considering.

      Caleb Jacobs

      With Apple CarPlay set up to play my family's favorite music, I took off and quickly found that I enjoy the TX 500h's powertrain. Is it exhilarating? Not quite, but it has enough zest to navigate slow traffic or ascend steep hills. Both scenarios are common where I live in the Ozarks, so I appreciated the hybrid system’s torque that aided in maintaining pace, even if I didn’t anticipate a steep incline well. It’s incredible that a vehicle like this can produce 406 lb-ft of torque, but in an era of turbos and electric motors, it is certainly feasible.

      However, I would hesitate to label the TX as a high-performing car for the same reasons that hinder any front-biased crossover from achieving that status. It’s easy to exceed tire limits with so much power, and after a spirited drive without the kids, I immediately detected a burnt brake smell upon opening the driver’s door. It doesn’t exhibit excessive pitching and rolling in fast corners, but lacks enough grip to foster confidence. This doesn’t heavily influence my review since I recognize this vehicle is fundamentally a comfortable daily driver, but I believe it’s worth noting, given all the F Sport branding.

      Caleb Jacobs

      It excels at its primary purpose: quietly cruising around town or silently inching forward in the Mc