The Lexus TX is the new luxury family cruiser for North America

The Lexus SUV lineup has just gotten longer. PHOTO FROM LEXUS

Initially teased last month, the Lexus TX was finally unveiled exclusively for the North American market. Sitting on the TNGA-K platform, this full-size luxury SUV is mechanically similar to the Toyota Grand Highlander but with a sprinkle of sophistication expected in other models from the Japanese marque.

Can't hurt to use the T24A-FTS from the Grand Highlander. PHOTOS FROM LEXUS

Slotted between the RX and the GX, the new TX is powered by three engine choices: one conventional and two electrified. The entry-level TX350 houses a humble 2.4-liter turbocharged in-line-four engine with 275hp and 430Nm, eight-speed automatic transmission, and a choice of front- and all-wheel drive.

The TX500h has the same powertrain but with an electric motor, producing 366hp and 555Nm with a six-speed automatic. Not arriving at launch is the TX550h+, a plug-in hybrid model with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces 406hp. Both battery-aided models come with Direct4 as standard.

This could be its own playground. PHOTOS FROM LEXUS

Its marketing pièce de résistance is the standard three-row seating layout that could comfortably seat six or seven people and come with 569L of trunk space. Folding down the third- and second-row seats can achieve 1,625L and 2,747L, respectively.

Compared to its Toyota counterpart, the dashboard is nowhere near a copy-paste job with a 12.3-inch driver information screen and an elegantly designed 14-inch Lexus Interface display in a seamless gloss-black affair. Pumping up the family playlist is the 21-speaker surround-sound system from Mark Levinson.

From fancy and shiny to sinister and dark. PHOTOS FROM LEXUS

Four trim levels are offered for the TX: Standard, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Performance, exclusively on the 500h. The new Unified Spindle grille design, recently introduced on the LBX crossover, is an evolution of the brand’s decade-old corporate motif with improved aerodynamics and looks compared to its controversial introduction.

All models come with the latest version of Lexus Safety System+ with pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control.

How do you feel about the redesigned spindle grille? PHOTOS FROM LEXUS

The new TX will reach Lexus dealerships across the United States and Canada by fall 2023, with the PHEV model to follow at a later date. Could this luxury household hauler suit the Philippine urban landscape?