Published November 10th, 2026
Words and pictures by Jay Kana

Subscribe to the Modern Traveller Newsletter to get terrific travel articles like this one straight to your inbox!

Lexus wants you to fill their TX three-row SUV with between six and seven people and go on Canadian adventures. As one of their largest offerings, it’s spacious, luxurious and has a long list of handy standard features.
Available in either gasoline or hybrid trims, we’re looking at the gasoline for this evaluation and it comes with six different package options.
Key competitors here include the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and the Genesis GV80

Key Info

Body type: Mid-size SUV
Engine: 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder, 275 horsepower, 317 lb-ft. torque, 8-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 10.3 per 100/km combined
Fuel tank size: 68 litres
Total range: 660 km per full tank of 87 octane
Cargo space: 572 litres
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

Let’s start with the third row, which is notorious across all three-row vehicles for being cramped, uncomfortable and best used if folded down for extra cargo space. Here, it’s different as the third-row in the TX is actually usable for adults. Those two passengers may not have as much room as second-row occupants but it’s a better place to spend some time than others.
The second row can be optioned with two Captain’s chairs or a bench seat, depending on which package you pick. The two seat option helps in getting to and from the third row as there’s a space in between.
Both configurations are comfortable but the two-seat style gives more individual space for passengers.
On the functionality side, fold the third row and you get 1,625 litres of cargo space, almost triple what you’d get if those seats were up.
Fold the second and third row and that balloons to 2,747 litres, a cavernous amount that’ll make you popular on moving days.

On the road, the TX’s turbo engine performs as advertised. It’s not quick or brisk but it does get you moving with a respectable amount of power. Mind you, filling every seat will reduce your acceleration a bit, as it would in any vehicle.
Road noise is low and the ride quality is quite comfortable, as it is in almost all Lexus’. Almost all road imperfections are soaked up and cornering feels stable, despite the size and height of the TX.
The up-to 5,000 pounds of towing certainly adds to its appeal, as does the surprisingly low fuel consumption figure. Yes, there’s a hybrid available with more power and lower fuel consumption to the tune of 8.6 L/100 km, which is almost 2 L/100 km lower than the gas version. The flip side is the premium for the hybrid for 2027 is nearly $16,000.

Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 14-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and steering wheel and storage space aplenty. Standard safety features are generous, with your key front, side and rear aspects covered.
The climate controls being screen based is a trend I hope we move away from in the coming years but setting it to “auto” quells that. Materials are upscale and easy on the eyes and fingers and the thumb pads on the steering wheel are smartly laid out for ease of use.
There’s still a minimalistic, upscale feel here, which aligns with Lexus’ designs.
A notable omission is a standard 360 camera for a vehicle of this size.