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2023 Toyota Highlander vs Lexus RX: A Comparison

When it comes to choosing the perfect midsize SUV, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. With numerous options available in the market, finding the right balance of style, performance, and practicality is crucial. Two such contenders in this category are the 2023 Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX, both stemming from the reputable Toyota brand.

While the Highlander focuses on family-friendly features and affordability, the Lexus RX offers a more luxurious and premium experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of both vehicles to help you decide which one is the ideal match for your needs and lifestyle.

Exterior Design

The 2023 Toyota Highlander features a bold and aggressive design with sharp lines and a dynamic front grille. The LED headlights and taillights give it a modern and stylish appearance, while the available 20-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication. The Highlander’s overall design is well-balanced, making it an attractive choice for families looking for a stylish and practical SUV.

On the other hand, the Lexus RX showcases a more refined and elegant design. The signature spindle grille, coupled with sleek LED headlights and chrome accents, gives the RX a premium and luxurious look. The 2023 RX also features a floating roofline and available 20-inch wheels, emphasizing its luxurious and sporty character.

Interior Design

The Highlander’s interior is designed with family comfort in mind. High-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces create a pleasant atmosphere, while the available panoramic moonroof adds a touch of luxury. The infotainment system features a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, with an optional 12.3-inch display available on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility come standard, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.

In contrast, the Lexus RX offers a more upscale and luxurious cabin. The use of high-quality materials such as leather and wood inlays elevates the overall ambiance. The RX’s standard 8-inch infotainment display can be upgraded to an impressive 12.3-inch display, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility included. The Lexus RX also features ambient lighting and an available Mark Levinson premium audio system, providing an enhanced in-cabin experience.

Seating

Both the Highlander and RX provide comfortable seating options for passengers. The Highlander comes standard with seating for eight passengers, while the RX seats five. An optional second-row captain’s chair configuration is available for the Highlander, reducing the seating capacity to seven but providing easier access to the third row.

The seats in both vehicles are supportive and comfortable, with the Lexus RX offering a more premium feel due to the use of high-quality materials. Both SUVs offer ample legroom and headroom for passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride on long trips.

Storage

When it comes to storage, the 2023 Highlander has the advantage over the Lexus RX. With all seats in place, the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down. This makes it an excellent option for families who require ample cargo space for luggage, sports equipment, or shopping trips.

The Lexus RX offers 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, but only expands to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While this is still a respectable amount of space, it may not be enough for those who require maximum cargo capacity.

Performance

Under the hood, the 2023 Toyota Highlander comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. An optional hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 243 horsepower.

The Highlander is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid version uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The Highlander provides a smooth and confident driving experience, making it well-suited for both city and highway driving.

The Lexus RX, on the other hand, comes with a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering a refined and responsive driving experience.

A hybrid option is also available for the RX, which combines the 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors, producing a combined output of 308 horsepower. The RX hybrid uses an ECVT, providing a seamless and efficient driving experience.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Highlander has a slight edge over the Lexus RX. The 2023 Highlander with the standard V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Highlander Hybrid boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Lexus RX with the standard V6 engine has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The RX hybrid fares better, achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While the Lexus RX has respectable fuel efficiency figures, the Highlander provides better efficiency, especially with the hybrid powertrain.

Safety

Both the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring the safety and well-being of all occupants. The Highlander features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

The Lexus RX offers the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which consists of similar features, such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams.

Both SUVs have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making them excellent choices for families prioritizing safety.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Toyota Highlander is available in six trim levels: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim level offers a range of standard and available features, allowing buyers to customize their Highlander to suit their preferences and budget.

The Lexus RX is available in three main trim levels: RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, and RX 450h (hybrid). Each trim offers a distinct level of luxury, performance, and technology, catering to buyers looking for a more premium experience. The F Sport trim adds sporty styling and performance enhancements, while the RX 450h provides an eco-friendly, luxurious driving experience.

Pricing

The 2023 Toyota Highlander starts at a base price of $35,085 for the L trim, while the top-of-the-line Platinum trim starts at $47,940. The Highlander Hybrid pricing begins at $39,910 for the LE Hybrid and goes up to $51,290 for the Platinum Hybrid.

The Lexus RX, being a luxury SUV, commands a higher price point. The base RX 350 starts at $45,320, while the sportier RX 350 F Sport begins at $49,070. The hybrid RX 450h starts at $48,820. Keep in mind that optional features and packages can increase the price of both vehicles.

Key Differences

When comparing the 2023 Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX, several key differences stand out, which may influence your decision-making process. Here, we outline the most significant contrasts between these two midsize SUVs:

Target Market and Brand Positioning:

The Toyota Highlander is geared towards families, offering a practical and versatile option with plenty of space and features to accommodate a busy lifestyle.
The Lexus RX targets the luxury segment, providing a more upscale and refined driving experience, focusing on comfort and premium materials.

Seating Capacity and Configuration:

The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers, with an optional second-row captain’s chair configuration that accommodates seven.
The RX has seating for five passengers only, with no alternative seating configurations available.

Cargo Space:

The Highlander boasts a larger cargo capacity, providing 16 cubic feet with all seats in place and 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down.
The RX offers 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats in place and 56.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded down, making it less suitable for those requiring maximum cargo capacity.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Highlander has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, particularly with its hybrid powertrain, which delivers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
The RX has respectable fuel efficiency figures, with the hybrid variant achieving an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but it doesn’t match the Highlander’s efficiency.

Trim Levels and Customization:

The Highlander is available in six trim levels, providing a broader range of standard and available features, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicle to suit their preferences and budget.
The Lexus RX comes in three main trim levels, offering fewer customization options but focusing on delivering a premium experience in each trim.

Pricing:

The Highlander has a lower starting price of $35,085 for the base L trim, making it a more budget-friendly option.
The RX, as a luxury SUV, commands a higher starting price of $45,320 for the base RX 350, which may be a deciding factor for buyers with budget constraints.

Final Thoughts

After a thorough examination of the 2023 Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX, it is evident that both SUVs bring unique qualities to the table. The Highlander excels in providing a practical, family-oriented, and budget-friendly option with ample seating capacity, cargo space, and fuel efficiency. Conversely, the Lexus RX stands out with its upscale design, refined driving experience, and emphasis on luxury and comfort.

Your decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, priorities, and budget constraints. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable driving experience from these esteemed Toyota offerings.

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