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What’s New for the Lexus TX 2026
The Lexus TX—Lexus’ three-row luxury crossover sibling to Toyota’s Grand Highlander—arrives for model year 2026 with only subtle refinements but meaningful options for buyers. Key updates include a Panorama glass roof now standard on the 550h+ plug-in hybrid and the reallocation of Matador Red Mica to specific trim levels. Lexus continues to offer a wide range of trims designed to appeal to family buyers and luxury SUV shoppers.
Trim Levels and Interior Highlights
The 2026 TX is available in Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance Premium, and F SPORT Performance Luxury trims. Lexus has added practical touches such as extra modular cupholders for third-row passengers—an often overlooked convenience in three-row crossovers. Safety tech is comprehensive across the lineup: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on every grade, reinforcing the TX’s family-oriented positioning.
Platform and Pricing
Built on Toyota’s GA-K platform (shared with the Grand Highlander), the Lexus TX 2026 has a manufacturer’s suggested starting price of $57,090 including destination for the base model. That price reflects the TX’s positioning as a premium, family-sized luxury crossover that competes with other three-row luxury SUVs in value, features, and hybridized powertrains.
Powertrains and Performance
The TX offers three distinct drivetrain choices tailored to different buyer priorities: a turbocharged gasoline model (350), a parallel hybrid (500h), and a plug-in hybrid (550h+).
TX 350 — Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
The 350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four. It comes front-wheel drive as standard with all-wheel drive available as an option. Both FWD and AWD 350 models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and provide a balance of efficiency and everyday performance for buyers who prefer a conventional gasoline powertrain.
TX 500h — Parallel Hybrid (AWD)
The 500h pairs the same 2.4-liter engine with two electric motors in a parallel hybrid arrangement. One electric motor powers the rear axle with up to 76 kW (about 102 hp), enabling the DIRECT4 AWD system and Dynamic Rear Steering for improved traction and handling. Total system output is 366 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque. The hybrid’s traction battery sits under the second-row seats, preserving interior cargo and passenger space. EPA combined efficiency reaches up to about 27 mpg (8.7 l/100 km).
TX 550h+ — Plug-in Hybrid (Luxury Only)
Reserved for the Luxury trim, the 550h+ is a plug-in hybrid that pairs a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with a two-motor transaxle and eCVT. The lithium-ion battery is mounted under the floor outside the passenger cabin and Lexus targets an electric-only range of roughly 33 miles (53 km). Total system output is rated up to 404 horsepower. Despite its weight, the 550h+ posts the best economy numbers in the lineup when running on gasoline alone: about 29 mpg (8.1 l/100 km) combined. Lexus equips the 550h+ with a 120-volt charging cable (240-volt capable) and prices it from $80,960 before options.
Driving Dynamics and Acceleration
The plug-in 550h+ accelerates briskly thanks to its combined power and electric assist, reaching 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 6 seconds. The 500h hybrid is nearly as quick, hitting 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Dynamic Rear Steering and DIRECT4 AWD on hybrid variants sharpen handling and low-speed maneuverability compared with conventional three-row SUVs.
Market Positioning and Competitors
The 2026 Lexus TX targets luxury buyers who need three rows and value fuel efficiency, hybrid technology, and Lexus-level refinement. With competitive pricing for the base model and a range-topping plug-in option, the TX aims to compete with upscale three-row crossovers from European and domestic brands while offering hybrid powertrain choices that emphasize efficiency and reduced running costs.
Specifications at a glance
- Platform: GA-K (shared with Toyota Grand Highlander)
- Trim levels: Standard, Premium, Luxury, F SPORT variants
- Powertrains: 2.4L turbo I4 (350), 2.4L parallel hybrid (500h), 3.5L PHEV V6 (550h+)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic (350), eCVT (550h+), hybrid transmissions for 500h
- Fuel economy: 550h+ ~29 mpg combined; 500h up to 27 mpg combined
- PHEV electric range: ~33 miles (53 km) target
- Starting price: $57,090 (includes destination); 550h+ from $80,960
Overall, the Lexus TX 2026 is an evolutionary update that bolsters comfort, convenience, and electrification options for buyers seeking a premium three-row crossover with hybrid performance and distinctive Lexus amenities.
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