The 2026 Lexus TX: Your Three-Row Companion for Sea-to-Sky Adventures
November 24 2025,
Every family with a passion for winter weekends knows the ritual: loading skis, boots, poles, helmets, and layers of gear into the vehicle before heading up the Sea-to-Sky Highway. For families in British Columbia, the drive to Whistler or Cypress Mountain isn't just a commute—it's the start of an experience. The 2026 Lexus TX three-row SUV offers a thoughtful answer to the question many ski families ask: how do you fit everyone and everything without compromise?
The TX combines generous interior space with the refinement Lexus is known for, creating a vehicle that handles both the practical demands of gear transport and the comfort expectations of a luxury SUV. Whether your family prefers the gas-powered TX 350 or the hybrid TX 500h, both configurations deliver all-wheel-drive confidence and enough room to make those weekend mountain trips feel effortless.
Cargo Space That Works for Skis and Snowboards
One of the most frequent challenges for ski families is finding a vehicle that accommodates both passengers and equipment without forcing compromises. The TX addresses this with a three-row layout designed around flexibility.
Behind the third row, the TX offers 572 litres of cargo space—enough for seven carry-on suitcases, according to Lexus. For ski families, this translates to room for several sets of skis or snowboards standing upright, plus helmets and smaller gear bags. If you need more capacity, the power-folding third-row seats stow away to open up 1,625 litres of space. At this level, you can lay skis flat, stack boot bags, and still have room for après-ski groceries or extra layers.
For those rare trips when it's just adults or you're hauling gear for multiple families, folding the second-row seats expands capacity to 2,747 litres. This configuration is ideal for transporting larger items like ski racks, winter tires, or bulkier equipment that doesn't fit in standard configurations.
The TX's wide rear opening and low load floor make it easier to slide skis in and out, even when snow and ice are involved. The cargo area also includes tie-down points and a tonneau cover to keep gear secure and out of sight during stops along the highway.
Seating Configurations for Families of All Sizes
The TX offers two seating arrangements depending on your family's needs. The seven-passenger configuration features a 60:40 split-folding second-row bench seat, allowing you to carry more people while still maintaining some cargo flexibility. For families who prioritize comfort and individual space, the six-passenger layout replaces the bench with two captain's seats and a centre console in the second row.
The captain's seat configuration is particularly appealing for families with older children or teens who appreciate the extra legroom and personal space on longer drives. The walk-in mechanism for third-row access is straightforward, making it easier for passengers to move between rows without awkward contortions—a small but meaningful detail when you're bundled in winter gear.
In the third row, the TX provides 851 mm of legroom, which is competitive for the segment. While it's not designed for adults on cross-province road trips, it's comfortable enough for kids and teens on the hour-and-a-half drive from Vancouver to Whistler. Heated second-row seats are standard across most grades, adding warmth after a day on the slopes.
Powertrain Options for British Columbia's Winter Roads
The TX is available with two powertrains, both equipped with all-wheel drive to handle British Columbia's variable winter conditions.
The TX 350 features a 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically-controlled full-time all-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency is rated at 11.5 L/100 km (city/highway combined). This powertrain delivers steady power for highway merging and confident acceleration when passing slower traffic on the Sea-to-Sky corridor.
The TX 500h takes a different approach, pairing a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine with a parallel hybrid system for a combined output of 366 system horsepower and 409 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid uses a six-speed automatic transmission and Lexus's DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, which adjusts power distribution between the front and rear axles based on wheel speed, acceleration, and steering angle. Fuel efficiency improves to 8.6 L/100 km (city/highway combined).
For families making frequent trips to the mountains, the hybrid's torque delivery offers an advantage in low-traction scenarios. The instant response from the electric motor can help when navigating icy patches or climbing steep grades where maintaining momentum is critical. Both powertrains include Trail Mode, which optimizes traction control settings for snow and gravel surfaces.
The TX also offers an optional Class IV towing receiver hitch, allowing a towing capacity of 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs). This opens up possibilities for families who want to tow a small trailer, cargo carrier, or ski equipment hauler.
Technology and Comfort for Long Drives
The drive from Vancouver to Whistler takes roughly 90 minutes in good conditions, but winter weather can extend that timeline. The TX includes features designed to make those drives more comfortable and connected.
The Lexus Interface system features a 14-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The system includes a natural language virtual assistant, allowing drivers to control navigation, media, and vehicle settings using voice commands—helpful when gloves or winter gear make touchscreen use less convenient.
Heated and ventilated front seats are standard on most grades, along with a heated steering wheel. The panoramic moonroof extends natural light throughout the cabin, which can be especially welcome during shorter winter days. Higher grades include a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a head-up display, and a digital rear-view mirror.
The TX also includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a suite of active safety technologies that support driver awareness in varying traffic and weather conditions. Features include Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Road Sign Assist. The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Panoramic View Monitor (on select grades) add confidence when navigating snowy parking lots or tight mountain roads.
Practical Details for Mountain Trips
Ground clearance is 201 mm (7.9 inches), which is adequate for cleared winter roads and light snow but not designed for deep powder or off-road trails. The TX is built for paved highways and maintained mountain access roads, not backcountry exploration.
The wheelbase measures 2,949 mm (116.1 inches), contributing to a stable ride on highway stretches while maintaining a turning circle of 5.8 metres—manageable for parking lots and tight turns in ski resort areas.
The TX's exterior design includes silver painted roof rails, which can accommodate aftermarket ski or cargo boxes if you need additional capacity beyond the interior. The rear privacy glass and ambient interior lighting create a more refined cabin environment, even when the vehicle is loaded with gear.
Key Takeaways
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Cargo Capacity |
572 L behind 3rd row, 1,625 L behind 2nd row, 2,747 L behind 1st row |
|
Seating |
6 or 7 passengers (captain's seats or bench configuration) |
|
Powertrains |
TX 350: 275 hp, 317 lb-ft; TX 500h: 366 hp, 409 lb-ft (hybrid) |
|
All-Wheel Drive |
Standard on all models (electronically-controlled or DIRECT4) |
|
Towing Capacity |
2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) with optional hitch |
|
Ground Clearance |
201 mm (7.9 in) |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
TX 350: 11.5 L/100 km; TX 500h: 8.6 L/100 km (combined) |
Experience the TX at Regency Lexus in Vancouver
For families in British Columbia who value both space and refinement, the 2026 Lexus TX offers a thoughtful balance of cargo capacity, seating flexibility, and all-wheel-drive capability. Whether you're planning weekend trips to Whistler or simply need a vehicle that accommodates your family's active lifestyle, the TX is designed to handle both.
Visit Regency Lexus in Vancouver to explore the TX lineup and discover which configuration suits your family's needs. The team at Regency Lexus can walk you through the differences between the TX 350 and TX 500h, discuss seating options, and answer questions about features and packages.