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Toyota Highlander Vs Lexus Rx 450h: Clash Of The Hybrid Suv Titans – Which One Takes The Crown?

What To Know

  • The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h both come standard with a long list of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features.
  • However, the RX 450h has a few more standard features than the Highlander, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad.
  • The RX 450h, on the other hand, is a more luxurious choice for buyers who want a more refined driving experience and a higher level of features.

When it comes to luxury midsize SUVs, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer a spacious cabin, a smooth ride, and a long list of features. But which one is the better choice for you? To help you decide, we’ve compared the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h in several key areas.

Performance

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Lexus RX 450h, on the other hand, is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors. This system produces a combined 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the Lexus RX 450h has a slight edge over the Toyota Highlander. The RX 450h can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while the Highlander takes 8.1 seconds. However, the Highlander has a higher top speed of 115 mph, compared to the RX 450h’s 112 mph.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Lexus RX 450h is the clear winner. The RX 450h gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city/36 mpg highway, while the Highlander gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Handling

The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h both handle well for their size. However, the RX 450h has a more agile feel, thanks to its lower center of gravity and more responsive steering. The Highlander, on the other hand, feels more planted and stable at highway speeds.

Interior

The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h both have spacious and well-appointed interiors. However, the RX 450h has a more luxurious feel, thanks to its higher-quality materials and more refined design. The Highlander, on the other hand, has a more practical interior, with more cargo space and more seating options.

Features

The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h both come standard with a long list of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. However, the RX 450h has a few more standard features than the Highlander, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad.

Price

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $34,810, while the Lexus RX 450h has a starting price of $46,900. However, the RX 450h can be equipped with a number of options that can push its price well over $60,000.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 450h are both excellent luxury midsize SUVs. However, they offer different things to different buyers. The Highlander is a more practical choice for families who need a spacious cabin and a lot of cargo space. The RX 450h, on the other hand, is a more luxurious choice for buyers who want a more refined driving experience and a higher level of features.

The Verdict: Toyota Highlander vs Lexus RX 450h

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and practical SUV with a good value, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious SUV with a more refined driving experience, the Lexus RX 450h is a great choice.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 450h?
A: The Lexus RX 450h has better fuel economy than the Toyota Highlander, getting an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city/36 mpg highway compared to the Highlander’s 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 450h?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more powerful engine than the Lexus RX 450h, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque compared to the RX 450h’s 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 308 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 450h?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a more spacious interior than the Lexus RX 450h, with 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats compared to the RX 450h’s 9.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats.

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