The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV aims to strike a balance between efficiency, performance, and luxury, positioning itself as a refined three-row SUV for drivers who want electrification without compromise. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain promises the ability to handle daily errands on mostly electric power while still delivering smooth, confident acceleration for longer highway drives.
Inside, Lexus leans heavily into its reputation for comfort and craftsmanship, pairing premium materials with a calm, upscale driving environment, while standard all-wheel drive adds reassurance in less-than-perfect conditions. That said, the TX 550h+ isn’t without a few quirks, as some tech elements take time to adjust to and certain features don’t always feel as impactful as expected. Together, these strengths and shortcomings paint a clear picture of what living with Lexus’ electrified TX is really like.
PRO: Efficient Powertrain
The plug‑in hybrid powertrain in the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ pairs a smooth‑delivering V6 with electric motors so you can easily cruise around town on pure electric power and still have strong performance when you need it on the highway. With up to about 33 miles of EV‑only range and efficient hybrid operation once the battery’s used, it lets you run everyday errands mostly on electricity and then transition seamlessly into blended power for longer drives without feeling like you’re sacrificing responsiveness.
PRO: PHEV
The plug‑in hybrid system in the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ lets you tackle most daily errands using only electric power for up to about 33 miles before the gas engine kicks in, meaning you can save fuel and enjoy quiet, responsive driving around town. And when you do need to stretch beyond that, the way the electric motors and V6 work together delivers smooth acceleration and strong overall performance without the abrupt transitions you sometimes feel in other PHEVs.
PRO: Premium Experience
The cabin of the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV surrounds you with soft semi‑aniline leather, thoughtful ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof that brightens every seat with natural light, making even long drives feel special. Inside, premium touches like heated and ventilated captain’s chairs and a high‑end audio system turn errands and road trips alike into quiet, comfortable experiences that feel truly refined.
PRO: Standard All-wheel-drive
The standard all‑wheel‑drive system in the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV helps the SUV feel confident and planted in a variety of road conditions, giving you extra peace of mind when cruising through rain or light snow. With torque distributed to all four wheels automatically, it enhances traction and stability without you having to think twice, whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or just running errands around town.
CON: Steering Wheel Controls Take Getting Used To
The steering wheel controls in the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ PHEV can feel overly complex at first, with multiple buttons and touch-sensitive areas that aren’t immediately intuitive. Until you get used to the layout, it’s easy to accidentally change settings or miss the function you intended, which can be frustrating during everyday driving.
CON: Drive Modes Barely Change Anything
Even though the TX 550h+ offers Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes, switching between them often doesn’t noticeably change how the SUV feels on the road, so you can end up wondering if the mode selection really matters during everyday driving. In practice, selecting Sport or Eco can feel like more of a mental switch than a mechanical one, since the throttle and steering response don’t shift dramatically enough to match how you expect the car to behave in those modes.
