2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

 

2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Despite being Toyota's luxury sub-brand, Lexus still has a unique following. Along with Toyota's promises of reliability and fuel economy, Lexus vehicles can also offer luxury. The comparison is obvious as the 2021 Toyota Highlander is built on the same platform as the 2021 Lexus RX but has a lower price tag.

Different Parameters of Comparison:

1)      Engines- Both vehicles are available with V6 or hybrid engines, with the hybrid RX being more powerful than the two. While the 3.5-liter V6s in both cars produce 295 hp, the hybrid RX puts out 308 hp combined versus 247 hp. for the highlander. However, the fuel economy of the 2021 RX Hybrid is lower than the 2021 Highlander (35mpg vs. 29mpg).

2)      Handling Experience- The 2021 Toyota Highlander has often been praised for its agile handling, with several test drivers describing the ride as controlled and compliant. The handling of the 2021 Lexus RX models is not particularly impressive. The steering isn't very responsive, and the soft suspension causes it to lean, giving the impression of being off-road.

3)      Infotainment Controls- Most buyers will love the simple and intuitive infotainment system controls available within the Highlander. These controls are far better when compared to the 2021 Lexus RX models.

4)      Safety Features- As compared to the Highlander, all trims of the Lexus RX receive Blind Spot Monitoring as standard equipment.

5)      Interior Quality- Though interiors of the Highlander are fairly good in the base trim, they can't really be compared with the RX. Only higher trims of the two vehicles have interiors that are like each other in terms of quality.

6)      Towing Capacity- For those looking to haul large loads from time to time, the 2021 Toyota Highlander is the better vehicle. It comes with the ability to tow 5000 pounds of weight. This is more in comparison to the 2021 Lexus RX that can manage up to 3500 pounds.

7)      Drive Options and Transmissions- Both the Highlander and the RX are available with FWD (Front-Wheel-Drive) and AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) as drive options. Engines on both vehicles also share the same 8-speed automatic gearboxes.

8)      Fuel Tank Capacity- Fuel tank capacities of gas-powered versions of both vehicles vary. The RX gets a capacity of 19.2 gallons, which is slightly more than 17.9 gallons on the Highlander.

9)      Seating Capacity- While the Lexus RX can seat 5 adults comfortably as an SUV, the Highlander has a greater seating capacity of 8. Heated front seats are available as options on both vehicle models.

10)  Warranty: Different warranties on the two vehicles have been given below:

 

Warranty

2021 Lexus RX

2021 Toyota Highlander

Basic Warranty

48 months/ 50,000 miles

36 months/ 36,000 miles

Engine Warranty

72 months/70,000 miles

60 months/ 60,000 miles

Anti-corrosion Warranty

72 months/ unlimited miles

60 months/ unlimited miles

11)  Common Features- Features such as power adjustable driver's seats, heated side mirrors with wide indicators, LED headlights, and Bluetooth are common between the two vehicles.

There is very little to choose between the two vehicles, but those looking for luxurious surrounds must choose the RX.