The TX 550h+ is the plug-in hybrid version of the new midsize luxury three-row crossover from Lexus. Think of it as a dressed-up version of the Toyota Grand Highlander. This roomy family hauler is packed with features and gets good fuel economy.
Base Price: $76,700
As Tested: $82,534
Horsepower: 404
Mileage: 76 MPGe electricity +gas combined / 29 mpg gasoline only combined
The 2024 TX 550h+ comes in just one well-equipped trim, Luxury. The starting price is $76,700. There’s room for up to six passengers in three rows (Captain’s chairs are standard in the second row). All-wheel drive is standard.
The TX also comes in gas-only and traditional hybrid models. Starting prices of the gas-only TX range from $53,700 to $61,200. Starting prices of the hybrid range from $68,000 to $71,300
The TX 550h+ is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, two electric motors, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. Total output is 404 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic.
The TX plug-in hybrid has lively handling, especially when you consider that this beast weighs in at 5,400 pounds. Toyota says it can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. Acceleration is also swift when merging and passing at freeway speeds. The TX 550h+ has some body lean when cornering, but manages to feel stable on twisty roads. However, the CVT isn’t the most refined and makes for loud droning when you floor the accelerator. The ride is a bit firmer than many other Lexus models, but still mostly smooth with the suspension soaking up bumps and rough roads.
Fuel economy is great for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 76 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) using gas and electricity, and 29 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined with gasoline only.
The TX plug-in hybrid can go up to 33 miles on all-electric power. I was able to get 39 or even 40 miles per charge if I drove conservatively and minimized use of heat and a/c. Switching to gas power is seamless and barely noticeable when you deplete the battery.
Charging the TX 550+ takes about three hours with a Level 2 charger or 240-volt plug. It can take nine hours or more with a Level 1 or 120-volt standard household plug.
When properly equipped, the TX Plug-In Hybrid can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
The cabin is roomy with nice materials and excellent fit and finish. The quality of the leather upholstery is very nice. A large touchscreen dominates the dash. Adults in the first two rows have plenty of leg- and headroom, and even the third row is spacious enough for adults to be comfortable – this is a rarity in most three-row crossovers.
Standard features include push-button start, rearview camera, multi-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, power-folding third-row seats, 50/50 power-reclining third-row seats, Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outer mirrors, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, infotainment system with 14-inch touchscreen, navigation, Mark Levinson 21-speaker surround-sound stereo, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, voice commands, ambient lighting, rear manual sunshades, headlamp washers, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and aluminum roof rails.
Available features include a digital key, surround-view camera system, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and a 120-volt AC household-style power outlet.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, intersection assist (sensors can help prevent crashes in intersections by detecting other vehicles), rear cross-traffic alert, road-sign recognition, and vehicle exit warning (warns passengers exiting the vehicle if other vehicles are approaching from behind).
Available driver assistance technologies include front cross-traffic alert, Traffic-jam assist (manages braking, acceleration and steering in slow traffic) and park assist.
The infotainment system looks great with its huge 14-inch touchscreen. Graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly to inputs. However, there are many menus and submenus, so it can be cumbersome to get to certain functions and it takes some time to figure out where everything is. There are physical controls for audio and climate settings.
Cargo space is generous. There are 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubes with the third row folded, and a whopping 97 cubes with the first and second rows folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Lively handling
Smooth ride
33 miles of all-electric range
Great fuel economy
Spacious cabin – adults are comfortable in all three rows
Packed with features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Infotainment system has many menus and submenus
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $76,700. 120-volt/1,500 watt power outlet is $560. Windshield wiper de-icer is $100. The Convenience Package is $895 and includes front-cross traffic alert, Traffic Jam Assist, and digital key. The Technology Package is $2,380 and includes a panoramic view monitor, advanced park with remote park, digital rearview mirror and head-up display. The rear hatch cargo lamps are $399. Carpet cargo mat is $150. The delivery fee is $1,350 bringing the grand total to $82,534.
Bottom line:
The new Lexus TX 550h+ is a spacious and comfortable luxury plug-in hybrid that’s ready for family duty. There’s room for adults in all three rows, plus plenty of space for cargo. As you’d expect in a Lexus, the TX 550h has a smooth ride, comes loaded with tech and features, and delivers great fuel economy. It should compete well among luxury three-row crossovers.
