ALL-NEW LEXUS TX SUV IS A SUPER HIT FROM THE GET-GO!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com

Not known to rest on its laurels, Lexus has added one more crossover SUV to its family. Based on the same platform as another fairly fresh Toyota Grand Highlander, the TX it comes with all the bells and whistles expected from the Japanese luxury carmaker division. There’s bold styling, tremendous power, top-notch interior and tech-laden goodies to blow the competition away. Who would have thought the TX would take place of the RX-L?

Power for Lexus’s innovative DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive SUV (providing immediate electric control to all four wheels) comes from a 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder turbocharged engine. It packs 366 horsepower and 406 pounds-feet of torque. A front and rear electric motor assists with saving fuel. The TX hybrid is mated to an easy-to-engage 6-speed auto gearbox resulting in a quiet and receptive drivetrain. A F Sport-tuned suspension handled via an independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear absorbs serious bumps with ease. The electric power steering is razor sharp with a firm on-center feel. No worries about coming to a slowdown or stop as braking is handled by solid 15.7-inch front and 13.3-inch rear disc brakes. Normal, eco, sport and custom modes are at the driver’s fingertips. Tow capacity is creditable at 5,000 pounds.

The sleek, aggressive front of the TX shows off a centered chrome bar with the distinct Lexus spindle grille flanked by auto-leveling bi-LED headlamps with a reversed L-shape design. The roomy cabin is tasteful and refined, allocating 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40 third row, 57.4 cubic feet behind the second-row Captain’s chairs and 97 cubes with both seats folded. A mammoth 14-inch infotainment touchscreen display sits atop the dashboard while the driver can stay focused on the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in the spacious 149-cubic-foot passenger capacity cabin. Other extravagant amenities include a tri-zone auto a/c, supple F Sport heated/cooled front seats, heated leather steering wheel and aluminum pedals/scuff plates, heated/cooled second-row Captain’s chairs, fold-flat power third-row seat, head-up display, dual cupholders in third row, 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and power lift gate and panoramic moon roof.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction controls, panoramic view monitor, blind spot and rear-cross traffic alerts, smart-stop technology, front/rear parking assists, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. For enhanced protection, there is also the standard Lexus Safety Sense 3.0 – a pre-collision system to detect pedestrians, lane departure alert with steer assist, smart beam headlamps and dynamic cruise control. A subscription service called Traffic Jam Assist triggers steering, gas and brake pedals under 25 mph.

If the Grand Highlander is to your liking but you want to take a step up or two and can afford the steep price tag, opt for the stylish, functional, nimble and tidy TX. For $71,300 base price, this six- or seven-passenger crossover shows off an upscale aura coupled with a degree of style and energetic performance. Honestly, Lexus has hit it out of the ballpark with the RX-L substitute.

LEXUS TX (F SPORT)

Tires: P255/45R22

Wheelbase: 116.1 inches

Length: 203.5 inches

Width: 78.3 inches

Height: 70.1 inches

Fuel capacity: 17.1 gallons

City: 27 mpg

Highway: 28 mpg

Weight: 4,730 pounds

Base price: $71,300

Price as tested: $78,254

Web site: www.lexus.com