Lexus has temporarily discontinued the TX 550h+ crossover — the only plug-in hybrid version of its largest three-row model. The car is no longer available for order through the brand's official configurator in the USA.
At first glance, the news looks like a model discontinuation. However, Lexus emphasizes that this is not a complete cessation of the project. The company officially announced that TX 550h+ production will be paused after the 2026 model year, and work on bringing the version back is already underway.
The TX 550h+ appeared in 2023 and quickly became the flagship of the family. The plug-in hybrid powertrain developed 404 hp, and the electric range reached 53 km according to the American EPA cycle. For a large seven-seat crossover, this was one of the best figures in the segment.
After the departure of the 550h+ version, the TX lineup does not disappear. The base model remains the TX 350 with a 2.4-liter turbo engine producing 275 hp, while the hybrid TX 500h F Sport Performance with a total output of 366 hp temporarily occupies the top of the model range.
The production pause comes at a difficult time for plug-in hybrids. Recent studies show that many PHEV owners rarely plug in their cars for charging. In such conditions, fuel consumption and environmental impact are significantly worse than stated figures.
Competitors are ready to fill the vacant niche. Among the closest alternatives are the 455 hp Volvo XC90 Recharge, the BMW X5 xDrive50e with an electric range of up to 63 km, and the Mazda CX-90 PHEV, which offers three rows of seats and a more affordable price.
For Lexus, the situation looks more like a technical or production pause than a rejection of the technology. Especially since the demand for large family crossovers with the ability to drive daily on electricity continues to grow.
The main question now is how the TX 550h+ will return. Given the development of Toyota and Lexus hybrid technologies, the updated version may receive not only a modernized powertrain but also an increased range without starting the gasoline engine.