Driving a luxury 2024 Lexus TX 350 to the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, I appreciated the new SUV's comfort, sleek design, infotainment system and safety technology for the two hour drive from Los Angeles.

This is the first year the Lexus TX appears on roads and highways. Evoking the signature Lexus driving performance, the TX is crafted by Lexus master drivers. This vehicle is exclusively assembled in the U.S.A., by Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Indiana. Every element of this optional six or seven passenger SUV model was carefully considered for the ultimate comfortable road trip.

The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa offers valet and self-parking in a covered garage to protect the vehicle from the elements. Driving up to the valet, the staff walked over wide-eyed taking in the beauty of the 'Lexus Texas'. She is big, bold and fun to drive.

SAFETY

The 14-inch infotainment display keeps drivers informed throughout the drive. The radar and camera capabilities detect a potential frontal collision and help provide steering assistance, and automatic braking to help mitigate or avoid a collision.

When enabling the All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, this hands-on system reduces driving stress as it monitors visible lane markings and can recognize vehicles ahead. Not only does it provide steering assistance, it's designed to detect and alert drivers to inadvertent lane departures at speeds above 32 mph. This innovative system is designed to warn drivers so they can steer back into a lane, and will even take slight corrective measures to help keep the vehicle within the visibly marked lane.

The optional Head-Up display provides a digital readout to the driver about speed, speed limit and navigation system. Drivers will appreciate how the camera provides certain road sign information and displays it in the instrument panel and Head-Up display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. There is an in-dash navigation system, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Drivers can select a Drive Connection trial or subscription to receive speech to most in-car functions capabilities, such as cabin temperature, navigation and audio control. This prevents a driver looking away from driving to perform different car functions to keep their eyes on the road.

DESIGN

It’s bold design with a front fascia spindle grill provides dramatic LED lighting for the driver and to those driving ahead of the vehicle. When they look back in their rearview mirror, they will see a work of art behind them.

The 2024 TX is offered in seven exterior color options that include Cloudburst Gray, Wind Chill Pearl, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Nightfall Mica, Incognito and Celestial Silver Metallic. Three interior color options include Peppercorn, Birch and Black.

The vehicle's 22-inch wheels bring added style and smoothness to any road trip on paved and dirt roads.

Other distinctive design features include the rear signature LED Blade Tail lamp. The slim signature L-shape light bar lamp ensures that the Lexus TX leaves a lasting impression.

COMFORT

The power-adjusted soft suede semi-aniline leather trimmed front seats have temperature heating and cooling capabilities. They would be even more comfortable if they also offered a massage option.

The thematic ambient illumination can be preset to display 14 different themes tailored to appeal to one's visual mood and senses. There are also 7 different USB charging ports throughout the cabin accessible to every passenger and the driver.

INTERIOR DESIGN

The Lexus engineers spent hours crafting the passengers' seats and third row. Hip angles to foot resting positions were thoughtfully designed for all three rows. The first row for the driver and one passenger have temperature-ventilated seats for extra comfort.

The second row offers Lexus families an optional two captain chairs configuration for separate seating, less squabbling and additional personal space. Charging ports are located for each seat.

The Lexus TX provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row for golf clubs, luggage and shopping trips. The power-folding split third-row seat offers additional cargo space with the touch of a button.

Not only does the driver appreciate the retractable panorama glass roof, the second and third row receive the additional natural light. 

The Lexus TX 350 is built in four different grades, Standard, Premium, Luxury and F SPORT Performance.

The basic TX 350 model's starting price is around $56,000. There are two electrified powertrain options. There is a Plug-in Hybrid combined with a powerful V6 engine and a high-performance 2.4L turbocharged hybrid. The Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury with combined plug-in Hybrid Electric starts at around $78,000.