The three-row luxury SUV has quietly become the family command center of modern life. Soccer practices, airport runs, Costco expeditions and weekend escapes into Colorado’s foothills all demand a vehicle that blends comfort, capability and technology.
Enter the TX 550h+, a fresh PHEV entry from Lexus designed specifically for buyers who want space, refinement and electrified efficiency wrapped into one handsome package.
My chief lieutenant test driver, Denver attorney Roger Adams, joined me for the primary evaluation drive. Our destination was north of Boulder, where we were on a mission for Gary May from Dallas to capture super clearance sale pricing on some premier bicycling gear. The errand conveniently provided the opportunity for a longish highway test of Lexus’ newest luxury people-mover.
We headed northwest from Denver toward Boulder along the Boulder Turnpike, also known as US 36, the TX gliding quietly through traffic. Finished in striking Matador Red Mica, the vehicle gleamed under Colorado’s winter sunshine, its sculpted body panels and large 22-inch alloy wheels announcing its luxury credentials long before you climb aboard.
The route offered an ideal mix of driving environments. From the steady highway pace toward Boulder, we continued up into the foothills beneath the iconic Flatirons before looping back through suburbia on the return to Denver.
Hybrid muscle meets luxury comfort
Under the hood lies the technical centerpiece of this flagship model. The TX 550h+ pairs a 3.5-liter V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain producing a combined 404 horsepower with Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. Power is delivered through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Lexus TX 550-h goes from 0–60 mph in about 5.9 seconds, quick enough to surprise some drivers.
That said, Roger and I did notice one characteristic during our highway driving. When cruising along and suddenly pressing the accelerator to pass slower traffic, the response felt more subdued than expected from a 400-plus-horsepower luxury vehicle. Itap not slow by any means, but the power delivery is more smooth than it is punchy.
Once up to speed, however, the TX settles into an effortless rhythm, the cabin remaining exceptionally quiet even at highway velocity.
Designed for family luxury
Step inside and this Lexus delivers exactly what buyers expect in a premium three-row SUV.
Creature comforts:
• Semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats with four-way lumbar support and cushion extenders
• Heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs.
• The power-folding third row provides flexible passenger or cargo space
• Heated steering wheel
• Panoramic glass roof
• Mark Levinson premium audio system
Safety:
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
• Pre-collision detection
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist
Additional available features on our test vehicle included a panoramic view monitor, advanced park assist and a digital rearview mirror.
Everyday driving in Denver
Beyond our Boulder excursion, I also drove the Lexus on several errands all over Denver, including trips along Interstates 25 and 70.
These everyday runs revealed the TX’s true personality. It excels at smooth, relaxed driving, gliding through city traffic with the calm demeanor Lexus has long perfected.
Parking sensors and intuitive driver-assist technology help maneuver the sizable SUV through tight shopping-center lots, while the elevated seating position offers excellent visibility in urban traffic.
Families seeking the convenience of a true third-row SUV will find the TX particularly appealing. The spacious cabin and thoughtful design make it easy to imagine this vehicle becoming the daily command center for busy households.
Luxury, electrified
Plug-in hybrid technology also gives the TX a forward-looking edge. Owners can drive short distances on electric power alone before the hybrid system engages the gasoline engine, blending efficiency with performance.
For buyers stepping into electrification without committing to a fully electric SUV, the TX 550h+ represents a compelling bridge between traditional luxury and the future of mobility.
Final thoughts
The Lexus TX 550h+ may not shout about its capabilities, but after a day exploring Denver and Boulder with Roger Adams switching up the controls, it becomes clear this SUV delivers what luxury family buyers want most: space, serenity and sophisticated technology.
With its elegant styling, comfortable three-row layout and strong hybrid powertrain, the TX stands as a polished new flagship in Lexus’ SUV lineup.
And while it may occasionally prefer smooth power delivery over neck-snapping acceleration, the TX ultimately shines where it matters most for modern families: comfort, capability and quiet confidence on every mile of the journey.
EPA Fuel Economy Rating:
• EPA combined MPGe = 76
• All electric range = 36
MSRP (as tested): $85,863
Email: timwjacksoncae@gmail.com
Phone: 303-667-3995
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this postap preparation.
