Follow up to this thread.
We have owned the TX 500h for a month and 1900 miles. This vehicle uses the same powertrain as the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, but the Lexus version adds rear wheel steering, 6-piston front calipers with 2-pc rotors and adaptive variable suspension. Plus a software calibration that requires premium fuel, but this gives you a few extra ponies and 1 extra mpg on the EPA test cycle.
This is the 2.4L, T24A-FTS turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic. The hybrid components are primarily used for extra performance, not for economy. On paper, the performance is very comparable to a base BMW X7 -- so 0-60 in about 6 secs and 1/4 mile in under 15 secs. The AWD system is truly full-time instead of the typical "slip and grip" setup. Lexus did a very good job of blending the two powertrains together; the electric motor fills in for any turbo lag so the acceleration is absolutely seamless and the torque feels instantaneous.
Fuel economy is fine to us: we average 19-21 mpg in town and 23-25 on the highway, but we have not been driving this gently at all.
Ride quality is not the typical Lexus soft due to the F-Sport tuning. It definitely tries to be sportier than it really is, but I'll take slightly firm over mushy.
Overall, my wife really likes the vehicle. The rear wheel steering makes all the difference for low-speed maneuverability and this is especially noticeable in parking lots. The brakes are also excellent and lack the typical unnatural feel that is common for hybrids. Lastly, the 3rd row fits real adults; I'm 5'10" with a not very athletic build and I fit comfortably back there!
On paper, a fully-loaded TX 500h is $17K more than a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. However, you can buy a TX for 6-8% off MSRP while Grand Highlanders continue to sell for MSRP. So, the real-world price difference is probably closer to $11K? If you're already spending this much for a vehicle that tries too hard to be a minivan without being as practical as a minivan, you may as well cough up the extra money for the rear-wheel steering and performance bits to make the driving experience more enjoyable.
We have owned the TX 500h for a month and 1900 miles. This vehicle uses the same powertrain as the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, but the Lexus version adds rear wheel steering, 6-piston front calipers with 2-pc rotors and adaptive variable suspension. Plus a software calibration that requires premium fuel, but this gives you a few extra ponies and 1 extra mpg on the EPA test cycle.
This is the 2.4L, T24A-FTS turbocharged engine paired to a 6-speed automatic. The hybrid components are primarily used for extra performance, not for economy. On paper, the performance is very comparable to a base BMW X7 -- so 0-60 in about 6 secs and 1/4 mile in under 15 secs. The AWD system is truly full-time instead of the typical "slip and grip" setup. Lexus did a very good job of blending the two powertrains together; the electric motor fills in for any turbo lag so the acceleration is absolutely seamless and the torque feels instantaneous.
Fuel economy is fine to us: we average 19-21 mpg in town and 23-25 on the highway, but we have not been driving this gently at all.
Ride quality is not the typical Lexus soft due to the F-Sport tuning. It definitely tries to be sportier than it really is, but I'll take slightly firm over mushy.
Overall, my wife really likes the vehicle. The rear wheel steering makes all the difference for low-speed maneuverability and this is especially noticeable in parking lots. The brakes are also excellent and lack the typical unnatural feel that is common for hybrids. Lastly, the 3rd row fits real adults; I'm 5'10" with a not very athletic build and I fit comfortably back there!
On paper, a fully-loaded TX 500h is $17K more than a Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. However, you can buy a TX for 6-8% off MSRP while Grand Highlanders continue to sell for MSRP. So, the real-world price difference is probably closer to $11K? If you're already spending this much for a vehicle that tries too hard to be a minivan without being as practical as a minivan, you may as well cough up the extra money for the rear-wheel steering and performance bits to make the driving experience more enjoyable.
