My wife expressed interest in the TX. I think it's underpowered. Anyone care to chime in either way?

350 models are 275hp / 317 lb-ft and weigh between 4,420 and 4,730 lbs ($55k to $63k starting).
500h models are 366 hp / 406 lb-ft and weigh 4,970 lbs ($69k to $73k starting).
Estimated 0-60 times reportedly range from 5.9 to 8 seconds (miraculous in my opinion lol).

I think a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine pulling between 4,400 and 5,000 lbs is going to be really stressed (hybrids less so, I suppose), and I can't imagine that being ideal for reliability and longevity despite it being a Lexus. And as with other 4-cylinder engines, you're probably going to have to beat on it to get any power out of it; otherwise it's going to be slow going hauling around that amount of mass.

Anyhow, I'm curious to see what others may have to say on the matter.

 

Have you driven it?
We are coming from a 2018 Honda Odyssey which is 4593 lbs, 280 HP and 262-ft-lb Torque and I felt is was nearly identical if not even a little quicker off from a full stop. We drove one this past weekend. I certainly didn't feel I had to "beat on it" to get it going - it was smooth and quick and no noticeable turbo-lag.
I think impressions will differ based on what you're used to and expect.

If you want more power try looking at an Audi or something designed with more power/performance in mind.

 

Thanks for the reply. No, haven't driven it, just in the thinking-about-it stage at this point. Good to know it didn't feel underpowered to you, so that's something.

Mercedes GLE is probably an alternate choice. While faster, most of those are small engine / turbo / hybrid as well, and they aren't exactly known for being as reliable as Lexus.

 

I totally understand your point. Personally, I wouldn't go for a 4-cylinder powertrain (even with turbo) in this category (mid/full size crossover). That is why I am patiently waiting for the TX 550h+ (V6 plug-in hybrid). 404 hp with 33 miles EV mode range. It sounds like this is the best option for you if you decide to get the TX.

 

My wife just got here TX 350 and it replaced a 2014 Odyssey so it has plenty of power for her. I dont feel like it’s sluggish but certainly not a sporty feel. If it was my everyday driver I’d go with the 500h but the added cost wasn’t worth it for her car. I also preferred the grill being all body color vs the metallic trim around the bottom.

 

Just a data point -- have a 2.0T Saab 9-3 with 2.0 4 cylinder turbo that has very nice low rpm torque and never feels underpowered. However, I never attempted to go above 95mph. It currently has 219k miles with no engine, turbo or trans issues at all. Previously got 270k miles from Saab 9-5 with v6 3.0 turbo with no problems....was still ok when I sold it.

 

I had the same concern coming from an Audi Q7 supercharged V6. But to my surprise, I like the Lexus 4 turbo better. All that torque comes in at low RPMs and moves the TX350 just as fast, if not faster at low speeds. I’ve not floored the TX given break-in period, but I suspect you’ll feel the TX running out of steam at high speed (>65) hard acceleration or going up the hill fully loaded. Otherwise the power it’s more than adequate.
PS. I did floor the TX we test drove before buying: It does make an unrefined ‘lawnmover” 4 cylinder sound that takes longer to quiet down. The power also disappears with high RPMs, but we’re not going to drive it like that. It’s a family car, so it doesn’t matter much. We love it so far.

 

I daily drive a Cayenne Turbo, and the TX seems to be sufficient in power.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. We ended up going with the tried-and-true GX460. I called around and was surprised that I was able to save 11% off MSRP on a luxury version; this was definitely not going to happen with a TX any time soon (in fact the few TX's we saw her in So Cal had a $5,000 dealer markup).

Mpg is obviously going to be worse, but I suspect real world MPG between the non-hybrid TX and GX will likely be within 5-7 mpg or so of one another. And of course, it's the last surviving V8 in a Toyota/Lexus SUV (and a very reliable one at that), so I kind of didn't want to miss out on that. In any event, I think we'll enjoy the GX for a few years, and may or may not consider a TX 500H+ in the future.

 

The TX on paper looks very underpowered for the size it is but after driving one(350 model) its not underpowered at all. If you want a sporty or semi fast SUV this isn't it, this is purely designed as a family hauler and after looking at almost every 3 row suv, Lexus TX is by far the best IMO. Easy access to the 3rd row and ample space back there and in the trunk.

 

Just test drove one yesterday. The base TX350 and even in that form and trim, I was very impressed with the refinement of the overall drive. The engine is smooth and quiet and does not feel underpowered at all, completely opposite of what I was expecting based on the complaints on YT about how unrefined this engine is. I actually fit in the 3rd row perfectly fine being a person thats 5'8" with legs. Is the TX as space efficient and friendly as a Sienna? Not even in the same league, but you expect that from a SUV vs a minivan.

 

I have driven my TX 350 about 700 miles so far, including a couple of hundred in places with 70 mph speed limits. The car does not run out of steam above 65. I would say it ran great at 80 mph (If I drove it that fast. Lol.).

 

I came to the TX after owning a series of Honda Pilots. The last one was a 2017 with 280HP and always had adequate power. I'm pretty sure the TX350 would be similar. I know for sure that the TX500h feels sportier and is more fun to drive, but I'm sure the base model would be adequate for most folks. I'm sure the TX500h+ would be even more fun, but I didn't want to deal with having a charger installed.

 

I think this is a really helpful comparison. To add some additional context, I just compared the Car & Driver reports on the 2024 Pilot to the 2024 TX 350. The engines appear to have very similar power. Please see below:

https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/pilot-2024
https://www.caranddriver.com/lexus/tx

 

No problems with my TX pulling a trailer of camping gear and 6 people from Alaska to South Dakota.

mountain passes at 90 mph no problem.