The emergence of the Lexus TX lineup marks a pivotal moment for the brand, finally providing a dedicated, spacious, and genuinely practical three-row luxury SUV that can compete head-to-head with the segment’s heavy hitters. But the model that demands the most attention—and carries the most controversy—is the 2025 Lexus TX 500h.
This isn’t just a plush people-mover; it’s the F-Sport Performance trim, a fully loaded, high-octane hybrid that pushes the boundaries of what a large family vehicle can be. With a price tag hovering around the $78,000 range when fully optioned, it aims to deliver a true premium experience.
While we’ll spoil the conclusion early—overall, this is a genuinely loved vehicle—our review will approach this machine with a “pros and cons” mentality, dissecting its performance hybrid setup, its interior luxury, and, most critically, the peculiar compromises in its ride quality. The TX 500h delivers a luxurious and premium driving vibe for sure, but the pursuit of performance introduces an unexpected paradox.
The Performance Hybrid Drivetrain: Power is a Major Pro
The standout feature of the TX 500h is undoubtedly its advanced drivetrain. In a market where many rivals opt for traditional V6 or V8 setups, Lexus offers a thrilling, responsive performance hybrid that redefines the segment.
Raw Power and Real-World Response
The 2025 Lexus TX 500h utilizes a sophisticated pairing: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to powerful electric motors. This combination results in a total system output of 366 horsepower and an impressive 406 pound-feet of torque.
These are serious numbers for an SUV designed to haul people and cargo. Automotive testing has shown that this configuration allows the TX 500h to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a rapid 5.7 seconds. For context, the even more powerful, top-of-the-line TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid model—which boasts 406 total system horsepower—achieves the 60 mph mark in a mere 5.2 seconds.
However, statistics on a paper or screen rarely tell the full story. In the real world, the TX 500h feels genuinely quick.
This immediate, rapid response is facilitated by the standard Direct4 all-wheel-drive system and a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The integration of the hybrid system is seamless and refined. The Direct4 system, specifically tuned for these performance models, is exceptionally efficient at putting power down, translating those 406 lb-ft of torque into near-instantaneous acceleration at city speeds. For the average consumer, this real-world rapid acceleration matters far more than a fraction of a second shaved off a track time.
The Efficiency TraSteering
It is crucial to remember that the “H” in the TX 500h stands for a performance hybrid, not an efficiency hybrid. The design philosophy here is to deliver V8-level power with the fuel efficiency of a turbo four- or six-cylinder engine.
Lexus estimates that the TX 500h can achieve about 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. While aggressive driving, as is tempting in a vehicle this quick, will inevitably lower these figures, a more moderate, calm driving style will reward the driver by getting them much closer to the claimed figures.
In short, the performance hybrid drivetrain and the sophisticated all-wheel drive system are unequivocally a major pro for the TX 500h, offering a compelling blend of speed and relative efficiency that few German competitors currently match in the three-row segment.
A Critical Look at Driving Dynamics: The Suspension Paradox
While the powertrain is a triumph, the second key area of evaluation, the driving dynamics, presents a puzzling mixed bag—a paradox where high-end refinement meets unexpected ride compromises.
Cabin Refinement: Quiet and Tranquil Luxury
The TX 500h immediately impresses with its overall refinement. The cabin is genuinely quiet and tranquil, building upon the already high standards set by its corporate cousin, the Toyota Grand Highlander. Lexus takes this refinement a step further, notably incorporating double-pane glass on the front side windows, which helps contain external noise exceptionally well. Minimal road or tire noise penetrates the cabin, even with the large 22-inch wheels wrapped in performance-oriented Continental CrossContact tires.
A Minor Con to Note: A potential quality control issue appeared in this specific press vehicle: a subtle whistling effect from the driver’s side window at speeds exceeding 60 mph. This likely points to an isolated window sealing anomaly rather than a systemic design flaw. Any prospective buyer should test the vehicle at highway speeds to ensure proper sealing, though such issues are rare for a Lexus product.
The Problem of Floatiness: A Disjointed Ride Quality
The ride quality is where the paradox emerges. The TX 500h, in normal conditions, exhibits a “gliding sensation”—a lightweight, non-fatiguing, almost “hovercraft” feeling that is quickly becoming the new Lexus driving signature. This is fantastic on well-maintained roads.
However, the experience changes drastically when encountering subpar pavement.
The primary con is the tendency for a jostling or bobbling sensation when driving over undulating roads, sharp impacts, or expansion joints, especially at higher speeds. When the 5,000-pound SUV encounters a sharp bump, the body seems to move excessively, transferring that bobbling motion to the occupants. This floatiness compromises the otherwise luxurious feel.
The TX 350 Advantage: Curb Weight and Wheel Size
This is where the key advice for potential buyers comes into play. The TX 500h F-Sport model’s heavier curb weight (around 5,000 lbs) and mandatory 22-inch wheels are likely the culprits behind this ride characteristic.
The consensus, supported by external reviews, suggests that the standard, non-hybrid TX 350 model will offer superior ride quality. The TX 350, equipped with all-wheel drive and luxury or F-Sport trim, weighs approximately 4,700 pounds—a reduction of nearly 300 pounds.
Furthermore, opting for the TX 350 Luxury trim allows buyers to enjoy a fully loaded product while retaining smaller, more compliant 20-inch wheels, which are likely better suited to absorbing sharper impacts than the larger 22-inch performance wheels mandated on the 500h F-Sport. For the buyer prioritizing absolute comfort and chassis composure, the lighter, smaller-wheeled TX 350 is the recommended choice.
Adaptive Dampers and Rear-Wheel StInterior
Despite being an F-Sport Performance model, the inclusion of adaptive dampers strangely makes little noticeable difference in stiffness when toggling between Normal and Sport driving modes. There isn’t the expected bandwidth in the suspension tuning to truly mitigate the floatiness in Sport mode.
Counterbalancing this issue, the Dynamic Rear Wheel Steering (DRWS) is a massive pro. It is tuned exceptionally well, allowing this massive three-row SUV to feel surprisingly nimble and tight in corners. Whether taking a U-turn or a sweeping highway curve, the vehicle seems to pivot with an impressive agility, making the TX far less intimidating to drive and place on the road than its size suggests. Crucially, the system operates naturally and subtly, avoiding the aggressive, disconnected feel sometimes found in other high-performance vehicles.
The overall ergonomics, driving position, and outward visibility are excellent, making the TX an easy vehicle to manage daily. The only thing letting the drive down is the inability of the suspension to fully absorb sharp road impacts.
Value Proposition: Unmatched Practicality and Price
Lexus has positioned the TX to be an exceptional value leader in the three-row luxury SUV class. The vehicle offers an experience that feels closer to a six-figure premium SUV, sometimes even achieving Mercedes S-Class levels of vibe on decent roads, all while maintaining a remarkably competitive price point.
The Price Advantage Over German Rivals
The price difference is staggering. A fully equipped, non-hybrid TX 350 All-Wheel Drive Luxury or F-Sport trim sits around the $70,000 mark.
In contrast, well-equipped competitors such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and Audi Q7 typically reside in the low to mid-$90,000 range. This massive price gap—potentially $20,000 to $25,000 less for a fully loaded Lexus—makes the TX’s value proposition a huge pro.
Practicality is King
Beyond the price, the TX offers unmatched practicality, which is the single biggest advantage over its European competition.
The design team at Lexus/Toyota deliberately engineered the TX (and its sibling, the Grand Highlander) to comfortably accommodate adults in all three rows—a rarity in the segment. For reference, an average-sized adult (5’11”) can easily fit in the third row, even with the second-row captain’s chairs positioned near their rearmost setting.
Key practicality features include:
- Third-Row Comfort: The third-row seats are electric, which is often an unnecessary gimmick, but here it allows third-row occupants to recline, significantly boosting comfort for longer trips.
- Second-Row Amenities: The captain’s chairs are highly adjustable, and the second row offers standard heating and cooling, manual sunshades, and large center cup holders.
- Cargo Space: Even with the third row in use, the TX offers over 20 cubic feet of cargo space—enough to fit a regular-sized plastic tote box horizontally. With the third row folded flat, the space becomes truly massive, providing unparalleled utility.
- Spare Tire: A major practical benefit is the inclusion of a spare tire located underneath the trunk floor.
The TX is a vehicle that delivers a premium driving experience, comprehensive technology, and exceptional practicality at a price point its luxury competitors simply cannot touch.
The Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
Stepping into the cabin, the TX 500h delivers the solidity and luxury expected of a modern Lexus flagship, blending high-quality materials with intuitive, modern technology.
Technology and Infotainment: Seamless Integration
The centerpiece of the cockpit is the massive 14-inch touchscreen display—a mandatory feature on this fully loaded trim. The infotainment system is a massive step forward, operating seamlessly and intuitively. Key technological features are integrated smartly:
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard features.
- HVAC Controls: While much of the climate control is embedded in the touchscreen, the design cleverly retains physical dials for temperature adjustment and actual physical buttons for vital functions like window defrosters and the volume knob. This is a crucial blend of modern design and functional ergonomics.
- Safety Tech: The vehicle comes standard with the full Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. This suite functions exceptionally well and unobtrusively.
Creature Comforts and Ergonomics
The overall ergonomics of the TX are a significant pro. The layout ensures the massive SUV does not feel intimidating to the driver.
- Seating: The F-Sport seats are sporty and supportive, designed to hug the occupants and keep them securely in place. However, on longer journeys, they are noted to be slightly less plush than the standard seats found in models like the NX or RX. Buyers prioritizing maximum long-distance comfort might consider the softer, non-F-Sport seats available on the TX 350 Luxury trim.
- Steering Wheel: The F-Sport steering wheel is excellent to grip, enhancing the sporty driving feel.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD): The interactive HUD, controlled via touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, allows the driver to access things like radar cruise control settings and media track selection with minimal distraction—a feature that grows on the driver over time.
- Storage and Features: Storage is abundant, featuring a wireless charging pad, large door pockets, two massive central cup holders, and a generously sized armrest console. Standard features also include heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic moonroof, and a digital rearview mirror for clear visibility when the cabin is fully loaded with cargo.
Audio System: Mark Levinson Excellence
The Mark Levinson audio system is included as part of the fully loaded package and is generally considered a pro. Like any premium audio system, it may require a little fiddling with the equalizer and tuning settings to fully calibrate it to the listener’s preference, but once tuned, it delivers a high-quality sound experience befitting the luxury class.
The Final Verdict and The Recommended Path
The 2025 Lexus TX 500h F-Sport Performance is a vehicle that excels on many fronts, offering a near six-figure driving experience at a substantial discount compared to its European competition. Its drivetrain is powerful, its cabin is refined and technologically advanced, and its sheer practicality is unmatched.
The Paradox Revisited
The biggest takeaway from the TX 500h review is the subtle paradox inherent in its design: the incredible power and responsiveness of the performance hybrid system occasionally push the limits of the vehicle’s underlying chassis, leading to the noticeable floatiness and jostling over sharp impacts. The hybrid models are, perhaps, “too quick for their own good,” enabling speeds that reveal the chassis’s limitations sooner.
The Smart Money: TX 350
For the luxury SUV buyer—a person who generally prioritizes comfort, refinement, and value over a 0.5-second difference in acceleration—the best solution is found by looking down the trim ladder.
The Lexus TX 350 (especially the Luxury or F-Sport trim with all-wheel drive), priced around $70,000, is the sweet spot. It retains the vast majority of the technology, the entire cabin refinement package, the unmatched practicality, and the exceptional value proposition of the TX lineup, but its lower curb weight and availability of smaller wheels promise to alleviate the peculiar ride quality issues found in the heavier, performance-focused TX 500h.
If you are currently cross-shopping luxury three-row SUVs, the Lexus TX deserves a spot on your shortlist. It presents a compelling argument for luxury, utility, and superior pricing that few other vehicles can match. Take the time to test drive both the 500h and the 350—and drive them at highway speeds—to determine which blend of performance and composure is right for you.
