Everything You Want To Know About The 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid

This week, I drove the 2026 Lexus TX Hybrid on the roads of Texas to test its performance. Peppy with level handling, the TX Hybrid offered a lovely ride from Austin to a my son’s high school baseball games an hour or so from the city. It tackled both dirt roads and paved farm-to-market roads with aplomb and enthusiasm, and even my teen’s eyes opened a little wider when I hit the accelerator to pass a slow-moving truck.

“This has some power, Mom!” he said. Yes, it sure does. Under the hood, my TX Hybrid (Lexus calls this one the TX 550h+) is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, two electric motors and an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery. In total, the hybrid system generates 404 horsepower; that’s plenty of get-up-and-go. Plus, the TX Hybrid is good for 33 miles of electric-only driving range if you plug it in.

Here’s the quick summary, with more details to follow:

What I loved: fantastic acceleration that made passing easy on the highway, impressive fuel economy for an SUV this size (27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, according to the EPA), and easy-to-use infotainment system.

What I didn’t love: too-small third row, oddly-shaped square cupholders up front.

2026 Lexus TX interior

Lexus/Jade NelsonLexus TX Hybrid: Plush, Well-Equipped Inside

Launched for model year 2024, the three-row Lexus TX sits between the smaller RX and boxier GX. Technically, it seats 7; but like so many SUVs the third row is suitable only for very small people for any length of time. That said, it’s a handy option for carpooling home from school and sporting events if the kids don’t mind being a bit squished back there.

Aside from that, the seats are comfortable and plush, with plenty of room in the first and second rows even for tall drivers and passengers. My friend Caleb of The Drive is 6’5″ and had enough head room and leg room when he tested the TX Hybrid, so that’s saying something.

My Lexus TX was kitted out with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, which cranks out terrific sound quality. Plus, the Luxury trim includes heated and ventilated leather seats, a sunroof, and a plethora of safety features.

2026 Lexus TX skyline

2026 Lexus TX

Lexus/Jade NelsonLexus TX Hybrid: Verdict

Honestly, this SUV was a pleasant surprise. It’s not quite as lithe as the RX but it’s easier to drive than the LX. It takes Toyota four-wheeling know-how and layers on luxury touches that customers expect from Lexus.

Competition in the three-row SUV category is fierce. Those shopping for a plug-in hybrid of this size might want to cross-shop the Volvo XC90. However, if the powertrain isn’t the main consideration, check out the Mazda CX-90 and Toyota Grand Highlander. Loyal Lexus fans thinking about upgrading from a smaller vehicle won’t be disappointed in the TX, as it is as comfortable and well-appointed as the rest of its lineup.

Starting at $78,660, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury has a good blend of performance and premium features.