The identify Lexus TX seems to be like an tackle you forgot to put a comma in. Folks have additionally been calling it a Lexus Texas, which sounds just like the identify of an grownup movie actress. However I additionally assume the Lexus Texas 550h+ is much more memorable, which is sweet, because the TX is likely one of the least distinctive Lexus ever made. It truly is only a Toyota Grand Highlander with fairly paint, fancier inside trappings, further options and a few distinctive powertrain choices. Solely previous-generation Lexus LX fashions (fancy Land Cruiser) have undergone a much less substantial transformation from Toyota to Lexus.
What does this must do with cargo capability and baggage testing? Effectively, the Toyota Grand Highlander is our present three-row crossover baggage check champion. It has 20.6 cubic-feet of area behind its third-row, and never surprisingly, the TX is sort of precisely the identical at 20.2. And, by the best way, that goes for each model, together with this TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. If the Grand Highlander is the very best non-luxury three-row crossover I’ve examined, the TX ought to completely smoke the posh discipline since they by and enormous have significantly much less cargo area behind their third rows. Admittedly, I have never examined a lot of these, however the very best consequence I’ve seen up to now is the Volvo XC90 (15.8 cubic-feet), and the section’s earlier on-paper greatest was the Lincoln Aviator at 18.3.
However let’s examine if these numbers match actuality. Is every little thing actually larger in Texas? Sorry, pun unavoidable.
This is the cargo space. I took the Grand Highlander pics at a unique angle due to lighting circumstances, however belief me, it seems to be the identical.
Just like the Grand Highlander, the TX does NOT have underfloor storage that may contribute to its luggage-carrying capabilities. That is the primary motive why the Grand Highlander’s consequence was so spectacular. I additionally just like the cargo cowl can match beneath right here.
Oh, and the TX has a useful hook on a string that may prop up the ground. Except I completely missed it, the Grand Highlander doesn’t have that. So, to replace: fairly paint, fancier inside trappings, further options, some distinctive powertrain choices and hook on a string.
Let’s get to the baggage. As with each Baggage Take a look at, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that may should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Um, positive seems to be the identical to me! In case it isn’t apparent, the silver automobile is the TX and the blue one is the Grand Highlander (henceforth TGH ‘trigger I am bored with typing Grand Highlander).
To reiterate my discovering from the TGH, that is an unimaginable consequence for a three-row automobile. These are my two greatest luggage on the underside, indicating this area is larger than each three-row crossover I’ve examined. And I can not be 100% positive, however it does appear that even the Tahoe and Expedition cannot do that. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer does, nonetheless. The XC90s and Cadillac XT6s of the world? Ha!
Clearly, that is not all my luggage, let’s examine if every little thing can match because it so surprisingly did within the TGH.
Sure! All the baggage match behind the raised third-row, which signifies that the TX does certainly smoke the posh discipline and higher the non-luxury discipline, albeit by a smaller margin.
BUT …
… the baggage do not match as properly. You possibly can see how a lot they lean out, and may type of see how shut they’re to the glass. The liftgate nonetheless closed, although, and the baggage weren’t squished.
I suppose what we’re seeing right here is that 0.4 cubic-foot distinction between the TGH and the TX.
Additionally, I need to level out that the stacked luggage are sufficiently prevented from flying ahead and nonetheless enable for enough rear visibility. The TX, just like the TGH I examined, has a digital rearview mirror which renders the visibility concern moot anyway.
So there you go. The Lexus Texas has by far probably the most cargo area behind its third row than any luxurious three-row crossover I’ve examined. It additionally did higher than the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe, so subsequently the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer remains to be higher, as are the extended-length variations of these full-sizers, so the TX cannot fairly declare “best luxury three-row SUV, period” standing. Oh properly, nonetheless spectacular.
So whereas the TX will not be probably the most unique Lexus of all time, there isn’t a denying the area benefits it enjoys due to its shared DNA. The third-row is relatively giant for luxurious three-row crossovers, too, in case you have been questioning.