So, Lexus was one of the pioneers of the original luxury SUV as we know it, and throughout the years they have added more options. One of those new options is an all-new nameplate to the Lexus brand, known as the TX, which puts the ultimate focus on comfort and functionality. However, after many years, the long-running nameplate, the Lexus GX, is also radically redesigned and is offered for about the same price as the TX. So that left us wondering, who wins in a 2024 Lexus GX vs. 2024 Lexus TX battle? Well, that’s what we will find out in this comparison!
Pricing and Equipment
As mentioned at the onset, these two have very similar pricing that overlaps.
Beginning with the all-new GX 550, we have the fully loaded version which is called the Luxury+ trim. This version starts a bit under $80,000 and after we add a few extra options, we arrive at $83,895.
MSRP (550 Luxury+ 4WD): $79,900 | Options: $2,645 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $83,895
Now for the TX, we have the 500h F-Sport Luxury, which makes the performance, equipment, and pricing pretty similar to the GX. All told, this model rings in at $78,549.
MSRP (500h F-S Luxury AWD): $71,300 | Options: $5,899 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $78,549
By the way, if you want to get the best price from local dealerships and access to invoice pricing info for these two models or any vehicle, we have a tool on our website to do just that. Click here for more information!
Exterior Design
You will be able to tell as soon as you look at the exteriors, that these two are very different. I’ll speak to that more in just a second, but the styling certainly alludes to what’s underneath. Both have new versions of the Lexus spindle grille, with the TX in particular looking different with its Unified Spindle. The F-Sport model has some additional elements on the lower facia while there is no F-Sport offering on the GX.
As far as lighting, both have full-LED headlights as expected, though the TX doesn’t have the signature triple-beam design like other Lexus models. Even though many rivals have been eliminating them, these two have fog lamps as well.
You’re probably already noticing the difference in height and indeed we have just under one inch more ground clearance in the GX. It’s important to note that the GX is a body-on-frame traditional SUV with a great tradition of off-roading abilities, while the TX is a unibody crossover that makes no such promises. If you want or need to head off the beaten trail, the GX’s extra clearance, approach & departure angles, 4WD system, locking diff, crawl control and more were shown to be very capable off-road when we drove it.
- TX: 7.9-inches
- GX: 8.7-inches
Because they do not share platforms, they are also very different lengths, which will have interior space and ride quality ramifications for us to talk about later in this review. For now, you can see that the GX has a much boxier profile, and both have 22-inch alloy wheels.
Lengths: TX: 203.2-inches | GX: 197.4-inches
As we move to the back, we continue to see the contrast between smoother, urban design and boxier, rugged looks. Features-wise, they are the same with small spoilers, exposed wipers, full-length LED taillights, and hidden exhaust outlets.
There is a discrepancy in tow rating though, since the TX tops out at 5,000 lbs while this GX Luxury+ can handle 6,955 lbs.
Additional Features
Now as far as some other features, both have fully loaded mirrors, and they both also have the latest safety packages, which include every single active safety system as standard equipment.
Warranty-wise, both obviously have the Lexus reputation for being bullet-proof and are the same length of time. Hybrid componentry is warrantied all the way to 100,000 miles.
Both: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 4yr/50k mi | Powertrain: 6yr/70k mi | Comp Main: 2 visits
As cool as the exteriors are, the interiors are where you spend the most time so let’s get to that.
Interior Design
So, walking up the vehicles, both are obviously going to have smart entry systems with the same Lexus key fob. But as you grab the door handles, you will notice that the TX has electronic handles vs conventional ones in the GX. You will also see power running boards deploy on the GX to make entry and exit easier.
Now checking out the interiors themselves, as you can see, they keep with the same design themes from the exterior and look quite different as such. That starts with the seats where we have sporty bucket seats on the TX, finished in color-contrast real leather, and flatter semi-analine leather seats on the GX. The leather quality is higher in the GX, and it also gives you more adjustability since it has thy extension on top of the normal 10-ways.
Both models have heating and ventilation with memory functions but only the GX has massaging abilities.
Let’s fully climb inside and talk about the overall cabin materials. Lexus has been moving towards using less wood in their interiors, so both of models instead use a combination of soft-touch plastics, leatherette trim and, in the case of the TX, suede inserts. Overall, both are extremely solid in build execution as well, so we will call this area even.
Now after we start them up, you will be greeted by two 12.3-inch displays that get slightly different graphics, and when you look up, there are also vivid head up displays projected out.
The steering wheels are almost the same, except for the GX using traditional buttons over touch capacitive ones. Otherwise, they are both heated and power adjusting.
Storage and Technology
Now for storage, and starting with the center consoles, our GX has the optional cool box, which acts as a refrigerator and isn’t offered on the TX. But that aside, the TX has a multi-functional cupholder area, the GX has a passenger storage shelf and both of them have wireless chargers.
In this area we find the electronic and traditional shifters, both of which pull up the same 360-degree camera system when in the reverse.
And now that we are in the screen area, ill mention the three zone climate controls in the touchscreen and the physical volume knobs for the Mark Levinson audio systems. Both have 21 speakers and impressive sound quality.
Both: 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium audio
Now as far as the screens themselves, even though the shells around them are different, they are the same 14-inch panel. Software is the same as well with built in navigation, as well as wireless AA and ACP.
Up above, both SUV’s include digital camera rearview mirrors, and both also have panoramic sunroofs but with some differences. In the GX it’s actually a single piece of glass that cannot open like the TX, but it also has a cool technology that can turn it opaque or clear at the touch of a button.
Rear Seats and Cargo
Now let’s head into the rear seat area because these SUVs are often used for the whole family. The thing to remember about the TX is that it was really designed to emphasize these areas in an uncompromising way vs. the GX which needed to include a lot of off-road prowess. You will see that right away in the second row where it has 7.3% more legroom and 8.3% more headroom.
GX: 36.7-inches of legroom | 35.4-inches of headroom
TX: 39.5-inches of legroom | 38.5-inches of headroom
Beyond the space, there is still a lot to talk about back here. Both these models have captain’s chairs with cupholders in between them, and in the back of the center console we have climate controls for the third zone. These Lexus SUV’s have heated rear seats but only the TX offers seat ventilation as well.
Further down, we have 2 USB ports but only the “Lexus Texas” has a household power outlet as well.
Now let’s move on to the third rows, which is a huge area of differentiation. First and foremost, both choose to only have two seats back here instead of 3 for comfort, but the actual experienced comfort is night-and-day. Because of the GX’s truck-based architecture, its seats are more like jump seats that just sit on top of the ground. While better than the last gen, it is still no match for the TX’s 3rd row which are close in comfort to the second row, thanks to ample legroom, headroom, and thy support. Again, the TX will take the points back here.
Note: the GX Overtrail trims do not have third rows
GX: 31.8 inches of legroom | 35.3 inches of headroom
TX: Legroom: 33.5 inches | Headroom: 37.2 inches
Moving around back to the cargo, both have hands-free power tailgates, but only GX can pop the rear glass independently.
Once open, this is one of the areas that will make or break the decision for a lot of you guys watching. How much space do you truly need? Because the TX is an overachiever here and offers huge capacity advantages with the seats in all 3 configurations.
The max cargo advantage is 23% and both of them have power folding third rows.
GX: Behind 3rd Row: 10.3 cu.ft | 2nd Row: 40.2 cu.ft | Max: 76.9 cu.ft
TX: Behind the 3rd row: 20.2 cu.ft | 2nd row: 57.4 cu.ft | Max: 97.0 cu.ft
Powertrains
So, in this rapidly narrowing fight, each model has distinct advantages over the other, but what about what’s under the hood? Well, these areas are different as well.
While Lexus says that the GX will eventually offer a hybrid version, for now all models are powered by a 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 with 349 hp and 479 lb.ft of torque. The TX on the other hand makes more power from less cylinders by adding a performance hybrid system to the mix. It has a 2.4L Turbo I-4 with 2 electric motors for 366 hp and 406 lb.ft of torque.
That means the TX has a HP advantage and the GX a torque advantage, so we will let the tiebreaker be the fact that the TX is the faster of the two with a 0-60 of 6.1s.
GX: 3.4L Twin-turbo V-6: 349 hp | 479 lb.ft | 0-60: 6.5s
TX: 2.4L Turbo I-4 + 2 electric motors: 366 hp | 406 lb.ft | 0-60: 6.1s
As far as the transmissions are concerned, the GX has a 10-speed automatic transmission, while packaging constraints with the hybrid system in the TX mean it makes do with a slower-shifting 6-speed automatic.
Test Drive and Fuel Economy
But perhaps as important as power and responsiveness, is ride quality. Both models are using adaptive dampers to help isolate out road imperfections, but the biggest difference simply comes down to the construction once again. While the TX rides like a cloud all the time, the GX’s body-on-frame chassis means that ultimately smaller vibrations and larger movements will more readily find their way into the cabin.
Additionally, on road driving dynamics are much better in the TX since it can control its body roll much better.
Here at Car Confections, something we like to do is take sound level readings for all the models we test so that we can compare them. Both of our measures were taken on press events in states where we cannot control the road surface, but we look forward to testing them out officially in Kentucky soon. Until then, here are the sample we collected for your reference.
GX: 59.6 dB @ 55 MPH (Arizona)
TX: 50.8 dB @ 55 MPH (Texas)
Finally, when it comes to fuel economy, the new GX’s boxy shape means it stands no chance against the sleeker hybrid TX. The discrepancy is a huge 10 MPG combined, both on premium fuel.
GX 550 4×4: 15/21/17 MPG
TX 500h AWD: 27/28/27 MPG
2024 Lexus GX vs. 2024 Lexus TX winner!
So even though these two are siblings, hopefully you can now see just how different they are. Let’s recap the big pros and cons to find “your” personal winner.
GX:
- Awesome tough looks
- Rugged off-road capabilities
- Luxury features: Massaging seats, cool pano roof
TX:
- Need the biggest amount of space
- Faster and MUCH better fuel economy
- Better on-road ride and handling
Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!
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