Every now and again, a new vehicle comes along that completely resets our expectations of what a luxury SUV can be. That was exactly how we felt with our week behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 Lexus TX 350 AWD, a three-row SUV that’s brand new to the Lexus lineup. Dressed in Celestial Silver Metallic, the TX turned heads everywhere we went, combining sophisticated design, remarkable comfort and a smooth, quiet ride that made every mile feel effortless.

We were excited to see how Lexus would expand its lineup with a model sized just right for families needing more room than the RX but not quite as large or rugged as the GX or LX. After 400 miles of driving around Utah Valley, from daily commutes to grocery store runs and a weekend adventure out in Utah’s west desert, the TX 350 impressed us on every front.

We averaged 23.5 miles per gallon for the week — quite respectable for a roomy all-wheel-drive SUV with three rows of seating and a turbocharged engine that easily handles mountain climbs and open highway stretches alike.

A weekend launch in more ways than one

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The highlight of our week came on Saturday when Craig took three neighborhood boys out west to the Utah Rocket Club (uroc.org) launch site in the west desert near Faust, Utah. The boys had been working on their model rockets for weeks, and with the TX’s generous cargo space, loading everything — rockets, launch gear, chairs, snacks and a table — was simple.

As we left the pavement behind and rolled onto dusty desert roads, the TX didn’t skip a beat. Lexus’ all-wheel-drive system provided confidence and stability across the uneven terrain, handling the gravel and sand with ease. The suspension soaked up bumps quietly, and the cabin remained calm and composed, a testament to the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and comfort.

Out at the launch site, the boys spent hours sending their rockets skyward into the clear blue desert sky, cheering each successful flight. Craig joked that it was only fitting that the “launch” of our first drive in the new Lexus TX coincided with a real-life rocket launch.

On the drive back, as tired boys dozed in the back seats, Craig had time to appreciate the TX’s adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist and quiet, luxurious interior. It’s exactly the kind of serene environment Lexus is known for — and one that makes long drives feel shorter and far more enjoyable.

A perfect fit in the Lexus family

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The 2025 TX 350 fills an important gap in the Lexus lineup. While the RX has been the brand’s best-selling SUV for decades, families often wished for a true three-row option with adult-friendly third-row seating. The TX delivers exactly that — without compromising comfort, performance or design.

Built on the same platform as the Toyota Grand Highlander (which we also recently had the chance to test), the TX takes everything great about that model and infuses it with Lexus refinement — from the hand-stitched leather to the ultra-quiet ride and cutting-edge technology.

Our TX 350 AWD came powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The result is smooth, linear acceleration that feels effortless whether merging onto I-15 or cruising up Provo Canyon.

Even with a full cabin and gear loaded for the weekend, the TX never felt underpowered. The transmission shifts were nearly imperceptible, and Lexus’ signature attention to noise insulation kept the cabin whisper-quiet — even when the wind whipped across the desert.

A cabin built for comfort and connection

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Inside, the TX 350 exudes Lexus luxury at every touchpoint. Our test model’s interior featured supple black NuLuxe upholstery with tasteful brushed aluminum accents and ambient lighting that set the mood perfectly for night drives.

Front seats were heated and ventilated, as were the second-row captain’s chairs, which the boys appreciated after a long day in the sun. Access to the third row was surprisingly easy thanks to power-folding seats and wide door openings. The third row itself was more comfortable than we expected — ideal for kids or smaller adults — and still left plenty of room behind it for groceries or gear.

The 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system anchors the dash, running Lexus’ latest interface that’s both intuitive and crisp. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked flawlessly, and the available 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system delivered concert-quality sound.

One of our favorite features was the head-up display, which projected navigation directions and driving information onto the windshield. It’s one of those small touches that makes daily driving that much more effortless.

Safety and peace of mind

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Like all Lexus models, the TX comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control and road sign recognition.

We especially appreciated how smooth and natural these systems felt. The adaptive cruise held perfect spacing in traffic, and the lane tracing assist subtly kept us centered without feeling intrusive. It’s technology designed to assist, not control — exactly the balance we like.

Room for adventure

The TX 350’s cargo flexibility was another standout. With the third row up, there’s room for several bags of groceries or sports equipment. Fold down the back seats, and the TX transforms into a cavernous hauler perfect for weekend trips or home improvement runs.

For our rocket launch outing, we fit three model rockets, toolboxes, folding chairs and plenty of snacks without having to fold all the seats — a testament to the smart storage design. Under the cargo floor, a hidden compartment offered extra room for smaller items we didn’t want rolling around.

At the end of the week

By week’s end, we both agreed that the Lexus TX 350 AWD is one of the most impressive new vehicles we’ve driven this year. It combines Lexus luxury and craftsmanship with real-world usability that families and adventurers alike will appreciate.

For those who’ve loved the RX over the years but wished for more room — or those who want the refinement of a Lexus but need true three-row versatility — the TX is the perfect answer.

It’s safe to say Lexus’ newest SUV has officially launched into the stratosphere of family luxury.

Base price: $64,410

Destination charge: $1,350

Price as driven: $69,430