2026 Lexus TX 350: Turbo Performance, Towing & Real-World MPG
The 2026 Lexus TX 350 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Peak torque arrives at just 1,700 rpm and stays available through 3,600 rpm, which is what gives this three-row luxury SUV confident acceleration, easy highway merging and steady pulling power in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive form.
Engine, Transmission and Power Delivery
Engineered for luxury three-row utility, the TX 350 powertrain balances athletic response with smooth, quiet operation. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine uses both direct and port fuel injection along with VVT-i variable valve timing to optimize combustion efficiency. Because peak torque is available from 1,700 rpm, drivers get immediate pedal response without climbing the tachometer during daily acceleration or when carrying a full cabin of passengers.
Power transfers through an eight-speed automatic with short initial gear ratios for responsive launches and taller overdrive gears that keep highway cruising calm and low in the rev range. Sequential shift paddles on the steering wheel hand gear selection back to the driver through mountain passes or when managing engine braking on long downgrades.
Powertrain Specifications
| Specification | 2026 Lexus TX 350 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1,700–3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed Direct Shift automatic |
| Fuel Injection | Direct and port injection |
| Valve Timing | VVT-i, DOHC 16-valve |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available |
| Fuel Requirement | Premium unleaded, 91 octane or higher |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gallons |
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — official 2026 Lexus TX model information | Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Cars.com and U.S. News — 2026 TX 350 published specifications
For commuters heading from Encino into metropolitan Los Angeles, that low-rpm torque translates into smooth lane changes and relaxed stop-and-go driving. For a complete look at how the TX 350 is equipped across its grades, see our 2026 Lexus TX 350 overview.
0-60 Acceleration, Drivetrain Choices and F SPORT Handling
The 2026 Lexus TX 350 reaches 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds with all-wheel drive and 8.0 seconds with front-wheel drive. The more useful measure for a three-row family SUV is where the torque lives: all 317 lb-ft is on tap from 1,700 rpm, so the responsiveness shows up in merging and passing rather than in stoplight sprints.
The electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive system continuously varies front-to-rear torque distribution from 75:25 to 50:50 depending on conditions, favoring the front wheels for efficiency on dry pavement and sending up to half of available torque rearward when grip demands it.
Grades and Drivetrain Availability
| Grade | Drivetrain | Wheels | Maximum Towing§ |
|---|---|---|---|
| TX 350 Standard | FWD standard, AWD available | 20-inch | 5,000 lbs |
| TX 350 Premium | FWD standard, AWD available | 20-inch | 5,000 lbs |
| TX 350 Luxury | FWD standard, AWD available | 20-inch standard, 22-inch available | 5,000 lbs |
| TX 350 F SPORT Handling | AWD standard | Exclusive 22-inch Matte Black | 5,000 lbs |
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
F SPORT Handling adds an F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension with electronically adjustable dampers and exclusive 22-inch Matte Black alloy wheels. The adaptive dampers react to changing road surfaces in milliseconds, trimming body roll through corners while preserving the quiet ride quality expected of a premium three-row SUV.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2026 TX grade structure, all-wheel drive torque distribution, wheel sizes and F SPORT Handling equipment | U.S. News and J.D. Power — 2026 TX 350 acceleration and specification data
If you are cross-shopping the TX against its Toyota sibling, our 2026 Lexus TX vs. Toyota Grand Highlander comparison shows how the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is tuned differently in each. For the body-on-frame alternative in the Lexus lineup, see the 2026 Lexus GX 550 vs. TX 350 comparison.
What Is the Maximum Towing Capacity of the 2026 Lexus TX 350?
The 2026 Lexus TX 350 tows up to 5,000 pounds§ when properly equipped, and that rating holds across both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The capacity covers medium-sized recreational loads such as utility trailers, small camper trailers and two-axle equipment trailers.
Two separate things support that number, and they are easy to confuse. The Towing Package is a factory option that upgrades cooling capacity. The hitch hardware itself is a Genuine Lexus Accessory, installed at the port or by the dealer, and rated to match the vehicle’s maximum tow capacity.
Towing Hardware: Factory Package vs. Genuine Lexus Accessories
| Component | How It’s Supplied | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty radiator and cooling fan | Factory Towing Package | Adds thermal capacity for sustained climbs under load |
| Engine oil cooler | Factory Towing Package | Regulates oil temperature under continuous boost |
| Transmission oil cooler | Factory Towing Package | Slows transmission fluid breakdown while towing |
| Tow Hitch Receiver (Class III) | Genuine Lexus Accessory | Rated to the vehicle’s maximum tow capacity |
| Towing wire harness | Genuine Lexus Accessory | Connects trailer lighting and signals |
| Trailer Sway Control¶ | Standard equipment | Detects trailer sway and intervenes automatically |
Towing Capacities at a Glance
| Measure | 2026 Lexus TX 350 |
|---|---|
| Maximum trailer weight§ | 5,000 lbs |
| Maximum tongue weight§ | 500 lbs |
| Hitch class | Class III (Genuine Lexus Tow Hitch Receiver) |
| Rating by drivetrain | Identical for FWD and AWD |
| Trailer stability aid¶ | Trailer Sway Control, standard |
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Trailering Driver Aids
Electronic driver aids round out the trailering picture. Trailer Sway Control¶ is standard within the vehicle stability system and detects unwanted lateral trailer motion, applying individual wheel brakes and reducing engine torque to settle both vehicle and trailer. The available Panoramic View Monitor¶, part of the Technology Package, synthesizes a 360-degree bird’s-eye view from four exterior cameras on the 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen, with on-screen guidance lines that make backing toward a coupler far easier on your own.
¶ Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.
Families around Tarzana loading camper gear for a weekend in the Santa Monica Mountains get a genuinely usable trailering foundation without stepping up to a body-on-frame SUV.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2026 TX technology and camera systems | Genuine Lexus Accessories catalog — TX 350 Tow Hitch Receiver with wire harness, Class III, 5,000-lb rating | Cars.com and J.D. Power — 2026 TX 350 trailer and tongue weight specifications
How Towing Affects Real-World Fuel Economy
Towing near the 5,000-pound limit§ reduces estimated real-world fuel economy‡ substantially. Testing by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, presented at the SAE World Congress, measured fuel economy penalties for a midsize SUV towing an enclosed 3,500-pound trailer ranging from roughly 30 percent in city driving to 50 percent at 80 mph. Expect a similar directional hit here, because continuous trailer drag keeps the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under boost for sustained stretches, and sustained boost means sustained fuel delivery.
Unladen, the TX 350 cruises efficiently under light engine load. Add a boat trailer or a tall cargo box and both aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance climb sharply. To hold highway speed against that drag, the engine control unit commands higher turbocharger boost, pushing more air into the cylinders and requiring proportionally more fuel to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Cited Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory — measured fuel economy effects of trailer towing, presented at the SAE World Congress
What Changes Your Towing MPG
Aerodynamic Profile
High-sided box trailers create far more air resistance than low-profile utility trailers or boat hulls, and the gap widens above 50 mph.
Elevation and Grades
Sustained climbs hold the eight-speed automatic in lower gears, keeping engine speeds elevated and total fuel burn higher.
Ambient Temperature
Hot-weather towing runs the cooling fan and air conditioning compressor continuously, adding parasitic load.
Shoppers weighing capability against efficiency often cross-shop the gas TX 350 with the hybrid; our 2026 Lexus TX Hybrid powertrain breakdown covers that trade-off in detail.
Does the TX 350 Require Premium Fuel for Its Best MPG?
Yes. Lexus requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher, and the EPA lists premium fuel as required for the 2026 TX 350. On premium fuel, the TX 350 carries EPA-estimated ratings of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined‡ with front-wheel drive, and 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
EPA-Estimated Ratings by Drivetrain
| Measure | TX 350 FWD | TX 350 AWD |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-Estimated City‡ | 21 mpg | 20 mpg |
| EPA-Estimated Highway‡ | 27 mpg | 26 mpg |
| EPA-Estimated Combined‡ | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.8 sec |
| Maximum Towing§ | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gallons | 17.8 gallons |
| Available On | Standard, Premium, Luxury | All four grades |
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
The turbocharged engine relies on high-octane fuel to resist detonation under compression. Lower-octane gasoline forces the engine management system to retard ignition timing to prevent knock, which trims combustion efficiency and torque output, so the driver presses harder on the accelerator and burns more fuel for the same acceleration.
Driving Habits That Protect Your MPG
Smooth Acceleration
Moderating initial pedal pressure lets the eight-speed automatic upshift earlier into efficient gear ratios without calling for unnecessary boost.
Anticipatory Braking
Coasting toward stoplights instead of accelerating and braking hard reduces the fuel burned in repeated acceleration cycles.
Highway Speed Management
Holding steady speeds near 65 mph cuts aerodynamic drag noticeably compared with 75 mph or more on long freeway runs.
Eco Mode within the Drive Mode Select system softens throttle response and moderates climate control load, making efficient driving habits easier to sustain.
Cited Source: fueleconomy.gov — official EPA fuel economy ratings and fuel requirement for the 2026 Lexus TX 350 | Lexus USA Newsroom — 2026 TX grade and drivetrain availability
Common Questions About 2026 Lexus TX 350 Performance, Towing and Efficiency
Does the 2026 Lexus TX 350 offer a 360-degree camera system for hitch alignment?
Yes. The 2026 Lexus TX 350 offers an available Panoramic View Monitor as part of the Technology Package. The system uses four exterior cameras to synthesize a virtual 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the SUV. When backing toward a trailer coupler, the 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen displays the rear camera view with on-screen guidance lines, which makes hitching up on your own considerably easier.
What fuel grade does the turbocharged engine in the Lexus TX 350 require?
Lexus requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher for the 2026 TX 350. Premium fuel is what allows the 2.4-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder to deliver its full 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lower-octane fuel can cause the engine computer to retard ignition timing, which slightly reduces both performance and efficiency.
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Lexus TX 350?
The 2026 Lexus TX 350 tows up to 5,000 pounds§ when properly equipped, and the rating is the same for front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Reaching it requires the factory Towing Package, which upgrades engine and transmission cooling, along with the Genuine Lexus Tow Hitch Receiver and wiring harness.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
How does all-wheel drive affect the EPA fuel economy ratings of the TX 350?
All-wheel drive shifts the official EPA estimates slightly. The front-wheel drive TX 350 is EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined‡, while the all-wheel drive model is rated at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The combined estimate is identical across both drivetrains.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What safety systems come standard on the TX 350 for highway driving?
Every 2026 Lexus TX 350 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0¶. The suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Road Sign Assist. These driver aids help reduce fatigue on long highway trips and while towing.
¶ Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard on all 2026 TX models | Cars.com — 2026 TX 350 standard safety equipment
Experience the 2026 Lexus TX 350 at Lexus of Woodland Hills
The 2026 Lexus TX 350 pairs a turbocharged powertrain with a 5,000-pound tow rating§ and a 23 mpg combined EPA-estimated rating‡, a combination that is unusual in the three-row luxury segment. Our team can walk you through the available grades, demonstrate the 14-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen and set up a drive on local roads.
Visit our showroom at 21701 Ventura Blvd in Woodland Hills or call our sales team at 818-276-9964 to see the 2026 TX 350 in person.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Cited Source: fueleconomy.gov — EPA combined rating | Lexus USA Newsroom — 2026 TX equipment and grade information
Disclaimers
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
¶ Driver-assist and safety systems are supplemental aids and are not a substitute for safe, attentive driving. Their effectiveness depends on weather, road, and traffic conditions and other factors. Always obey traffic laws and stay attentive to the road. See your owner’s manual for system details and limitations.