Luxury Lexus Battle! 2026 Lexus RX vs. 2026 Lexus TX

As more buyers choose SUVs, each brand’s portfolio only continues to expand. Lexus is no different with a whopping 7 SUV choices, and two of the most similar are the iconic Lexus RX and newcomer Lexus TX. So, with a surprisingly similar price point yet vastly different amounts of space, who should be your pick in a 2026 Lexus RX vs. 2026 Lexus TX comparison? That’s the question we’re going to answer today!

Exterior Design

Now, let’s start out here with the exteriors and their designs. Between the two of them, the RX features a bit of sportier edge, with more defined body lines in the front, side and rear. Up front, while almost every Lexus product has a distinct spindle grille with defined borders, the TX debuts a new front-end design for Lexus, called the Unified Spindle. 

We don’t grade on specific design touches, be sure to let us know which design you prefer in the comments below. We do grade lighting, and while both have full LED headlights and LED fog lights, the brighter and more premium triple beams are found only on the RX.

Moving to the side, you’ll see that big size difference we were talking about earlier. The TX is a size category above RX and therefore is a whopping 10 inches longer. Interior space will be discussed later, but as far as visual elements, we have 22 and 21-inch wheels in TX and RX, respectively.

Length: 203.2-inches (TX) | 192.5-inches (RX)

Rear features include fully-LED tail lamp clusters and hidden exhaust outlets. The RX hides its wiper for less weathering and a sleeker look.

Despite them having the same powertrain under the hood, the TX tows about 35% more at  5,000 lbs vs. 3,500.

Towing (max): RX: 3,500 lbs | TX: 5,000 lbs

The exterior mirrors are loaded with heating, blind spot monitoring, auto-dimming, and power-folding. 

Safety is very important, so in addition to BSM, both also include the latest active safety features. Both also include the convenience feature of Traffic Jam Assist, for some limited hands-free driving under 25 MPH.

But the luxury and comfort of the cabins are of far more importance than the exteriors, so let’s get to that.

Interior Design

As we walk toward the interiors, both models have smart entry as you would expect, plus the newest digital key system for using phone-as-key. Both models have electronic door handles, so the handle itself won’t move when you grab it.

Once we open the doors, we are greeted with cabins that look… well…very similar to one another. That’s certainly not a bad thing, though, since they have premium interiors that begin with supple semi-analine leather seating surfaces. That’s a very high grade of leather, and the seats also feature seat heating, ventilation, and memory to name a few.

Once we fully climb inside, we can get into the overall material quality and solidity. As expected, both have the same level of extreme solidity that Lexus is known for. Now for materials, even despite their cabins looking very similar, it’s the RX that utilizes more premium materials throughout. It has more diversity of texture and layering, as well as extensive use of wood trim on the center console compared to just a super-tiny wood accent in the TX.

After startup, you’ll see 12.3 digital gauge clusters on both as well as the same large head-up displays for these high-end examples.

Also, the same are the steering wheel designs, except for the fact the RX adds some extra wood accenting for a more premium feel.

Regardless, both power adjust, heat and have rain-sensing wipers as equipped.

Storage and Technology

Now let’s talk about overall interior storage, which is divided into center console space and the space in front of the console. Here, the bigger and practicality-focused TX excels well above the RX with a larger center console fitting 21 donuts vs. 12, and in addition, features a more versatile front storage setup. As a matter of fact, you can fully remove the cupholders in the TX, and its overall space is larger in all aspects.

Part of the reason for all that space is a small and compact electronic shifter, and when in reverse, both have a 360-degree camera system with automatic parking abilities.

That now brings us to the volume knobs, so let’s give the audio systems a sample. Both have the same 21-speaker Mark Levinson setup, which will be pleasing to even discerning listeners.

TX: 21-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play audio

RX: 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay audio

3-zone climate control systems are on board, and you have physical temperature adjustment despite some functions being in their displays.

And speaking of the displays, these SUVs feature large 14-inch screens with the latest Lexus software. Built-in navigation, wireless AA and ACP are on board.

Last but certainly not least for the front of the interiors, both models have digital camera rearview mirrors and large panoramic sunroofs.

Rear Seats and Cargo

But now let’s move into the rear spaces because this is truly the biggest differentiator between these two SUVs. Like I mentioned at the beginning, these two compete in completely different vehicle segments, and as such, that affects the rear specs. The TX comes in with a little over 5% more legroom and about 3% more headroom than the smaller RX.

RX: Legroom: 37.4-inches | Headroom: 37.0-inches

TX: Legroom: 39.5-inch | Headroom: 38.5-inch

The features list is largely the same, however. There are rear climate controls, vents, 2 USB ports, heated, plus even ventilated rear seats.

They also have window sunshades and, as you can see, only the TX has the option of captain’s chairs. Only in the RX you get the power second row adjustment. That’s an extra boujee touch for maximizing your comfort, that TX can’t get.

But we’re not done with the differences just yet. The third row, of course, is not something the RX offers at all, and it’s not just any third row. The TX’s third row is one of the very best third rows you can get in any vehicle. That’s a huge deal to many people looking to increase overall seating capacity from 5 in the RX to 6 or 7 in the TX.

Third Row: Legroom: 33.5-in | Headroom: 37.2-in 

Now moving out back, we once again see a major difference between these Lexus SUVs. If you need space, the TX should be your answer. You’ll see that clearly demonstrated when you open up the power tailgates and find over double the max capacity in the Lexus Texas. As a matter of fact, behind its third row, it has nearly as much space as behind the RX’s second row. That’s once again a huge benefit for buyers who need the room.

RX: Behind 2^nd Row: 29.6-cu.ft | Max: 46.2-cu.ft 

TX: Behind 3^rd Row: 20.2-cu.ft | 2^nd Row: 57.4-cu.ft | MAX: 97.0-cu.ft

Features-wise, folding the seats can easily be done with the press of a button, thanks to power abilities. They have spare tires below the floor.

Alright, that’s it for the interiors, so now let’s take this fight to the streets!

Powertrains

Now you’ve seen many elements that are similar and many elements that are completely different between these two. How does the powertrain stack up? Well, as designated by their names, both the RX 350 and TX 350 will be powered by the same 2.4L Turbo I-4, making 275hp. Those are adequate power and torque figures, but keep in mind for those wanting more power or hybridization, Lexus offers 3 other choices on the RX and 2 other choices on TX. Regardless, these 350 versions accelerate similarly, but the TX being much larger will achieve 60 mph about 8% slower.

• RX 350: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 275 hp | 317 lb.ft

• 0-60: 7.2s

• TX 350: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 275 hp | 317 lb.ft

• 0-60: 7.8s

As far as the other elements, they have the same 8-speed automatic transmission, which performs well with smooth shifts in most driving situations. Power is routed to the ground via AWD on these testers as equipped.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

But it’s not all about speed since comfort is much more of a focus for these luxury crossovers. In this regard, both absolutely nail the ride quality, with extremely plush rides that isolate all but the largest potholes. 

As you would expect, that does mean the suspensions are fairly soft when cornering, but Lexus offers performance hybrid F-Sport versions of that allow for better back-road performance.

In addition to having comfy rides, let’s talk about the noise levels in the cabins. Both are very quiet, but the newcomer TX, takes the lead here. It comes in at a serene 51.7 decibels vs. the 53.9 in RX. That is greater than a 1 dB difference, making it noticeable to the average adult.

RX: 53.9 dB @ 55 MPH

TX 350: 51.7 dB @ 55 MPH

And lastly, for fuel economy, the turbo 4-cylinder engines perform decently. As expected, the bigger TX does slightly worse than RX, but it’s not enough of a difference to score a point. Again, keep in mind that for those who want better efficiency, Lexus offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain choices.

• RX 350 AWD: 21/28/24 MPG
• TX 350 AWD: 20/26/23 MPG

Now we won’t be evaluating resale or reliability information from two vehicles from the same brand, but it is worth noting that both feature the best luxury brand resale value and reliability. They are also both protected by a 4 yr/50k mile basic warranty and 6 yr/70k powertrain warranty with complimentary maintenance.

Price Assessment

But now let’s break down the cost of these two and evaluate how much value each model is delivering. 

You might be surprised to find out that these two have nearly identical price points in the same luxury 350 versions. The starting prices are within a few hundred dollars of one another, and after plenty of options, both ring in over $70,000.

TX (350 Luxury AWD): $62,390 | Options: +$9,703 | Destination: $1,450 | Total: $73,543

RX (350 Luxury AWD): $62,045 | Options: +$7,605 | Destination: $1,450 | Total: $71,100

For the exact price difference, the TX is a little more expensive, at $2,400 in this case.

2026 Lexus RX vs. 2026 Lexus TX Pick!

So, there you have it: the objective winner! Do you agree? Here are a couple of things to consider when picking each one for you personally:

RX: 

• Less expensive
• More Rear Seat amenities

TX: 

• More space throughout
• More towing capacity

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!