Toyota highlander vs rx 350: the ultimate comparison for suv enthusiasts
What To Know
- However, the Lexus RX 350 has a slight edge in fuel economy, getting an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the Toyota Highlander.
- The Highlander has a slightly larger interior than the RX 350, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.
- The Highlander is a more affordable option with a larger interior, while the RX 350 is a more luxurious option with a more refined interior and more standard features.
The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a variety of features. However, there are some key differences between the two SUVs that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
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 350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 are very similar. Both SUVs offer plenty of power for everyday driving and can tow up to 5,000 pounds. However, the Lexus RX 350 has a slight edge in fuel economy, getting an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the Toyota Highlander.
Interior
The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 both offer a spacious and comfortable interior. The Highlander has a slightly larger interior than the RX 350, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. However, the RX 350 has a more luxurious interior, with higher-quality materials and a more refined design.
Both SUVs come standard with a variety of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The RX 350 offers a few more standard features than the Highlander, including a sunroof, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.
Safety
The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 both received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both SUVs also received a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Standard safety features on both SUVs include airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The RX 350 offers a few more standard safety features than the Highlander, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Price
The Toyota Highlander has a lower starting price than the Lexus RX 350. The Highlander starts at $36,420, while the RX 350 starts at $46,750. However, the RX 350 offers more standard features than the Highlander, so the price difference may not be as significant as it seems.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 are both excellent midsize SUVs. The Highlander is a more affordable option with a larger interior, while the RX 350 is a more luxurious option with a more refined interior and more standard features.
Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and affordable SUV, the Toyota Highlander is a great choice. If you’re looking for a luxurious and well-equipped SUV, the Lexus RX 350 is a better choice.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Toyota Highlander | Lexus RX 350 |
| — | — | — |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 295 hp |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft | 267 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Eight-speed automatic | Eight-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy (city/highway) | 21/27 mpg | 20/27 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 or 8 | 5 or 7 |
| Cargo Capacity | 16.1 cubic feet | 16.8 cubic feet |
| Starting Price | $36,420 | $46,750 |
Which SUV Has a Better Interior?
The Lexus RX 350 has a more luxurious interior than the Toyota Highlander. The RX 350’s interior is made with higher-quality materials and has a more refined design. The RX 350 also offers more standard features than the Highlander, including a sunroof, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.
Which SUV is More Reliable?
The Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Lexus RX 350. The Highlander has a higher reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates, and it has fewer reported problems than the RX 350.
Which SUV is Better for Families?
The Toyota Highlander is better for families than the Lexus RX 350. The Highlander has a larger interior with more headroom and legroom, and it can seat up to 8 people. The Highlander also offers more standard family-friendly features than the RX 350, such as a rear-seat entertainment system and a hands-free liftgate.
The Bottom Line: Toyota Highlander vs RX 350
The Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350 are both excellent midsize SUVs. The Highlander is a more affordable option with a larger interior, while the RX 350 is a more luxurious option with a more refined interior and more standard features. Ultimately, the best SUV for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 350?
A: The Lexus RX 350 is slightly more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Highlander. The RX 350 gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway for the Highlander.
Q: Which SUV has a larger interior, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 350?
A: The Toyota Highlander has a slightly larger interior than the Lexus RX 350. The Highlander has more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable, the Toyota Highlander or the Lexus RX 350?
A: The Toyota Highlander is more reliable than the Lexus RX 350. The Highlander has a higher reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates, and it has fewer reported problems than the RX 350.