Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander: Which SUV Reigns Supreme?

SUVs are the most popular vehicles in New York State, something Long Island drivers can attest to. As a discerning motorist in St. James, you want a vehicle that meets all your driving needs. However, the SUV segment is ultra-competitive and crowded, with many great options.

Two competitive vehicles stand out: the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2025 Toyota Highlander. Let's compare the Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander to help you determine your best option.

The Lexus RX at a Glance

The Lexus brand, particularly the RX, is about refinement and luxury. This midsize SUV boasts elegant design and premium features across all seven 2025 trim levels. You can expect a smooth yet high-performance ride, a high-quality interior, and advanced technology.

The RX 350 is the base model. Even with this entry-level RX, you'll notice the expert handicraft on display. The 350 Premium trim adds even greater refinement, while the F Sport grade caters to more adventurous drivers.

The Toyota Highlander at a Glance

The Toyota Highlander is at the more rugged end of the spectrum, combining efficiency, safety, and comfort. Toyota vehicles are reliable workhouses, and this three-row SUV is no exception. It provides a robust driving experience and generous cargo space. It's a versatile vehicle best suited for families or those seeking a solid work vehicle.

The Toyota Highlander prioritizes reliability and utility, which is obvious from its practical design. Premium features are available at the higher trim levels, especially if you opt for the Limited or Platinum. New for 2025, all-wheel drive is now standard on the Platinum and XSE models. The XSE also now defaults to sport mode when you start the ignition, and colors such as the striking Heavy Metal are new to select 2025 trims.

In-Depth Comparison: Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander

With both competitors introduced, it's time to go in-depth as we compare the Lexus RX to the Toyota Highlander.

Performance and Efficiency

The gasoline Highlander sports a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive, this engine delivers a respectable 265 horsepower. You can expect a smooth and stable drive from any configuration.

The RX 350 has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, producing 275 hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The RX offers a far more refined driving experience than the satisfactory, competent drive of the Highlander.

Interior Comfort

The Toyota Highlander sports a functional design with good-quality interior materials. If you want added refinement, you can opt for higher trims. The second-row captain's chairs on the XLE trim and above improve comfort but reduce passenger capacity to seven compared to the eight passengers the base-level LE can seat. The overall interior design of the Highlander is basic, but the Limited and Platinum trims offer more upscale touches, including ventilated seats and leather upholstery.

When we compare the RX 350 to the Highlander in terms of interior comfort, the quality of the Lexus stands out. Its cabin boasts a thoroughly modern design, with striking open-pore wood trim and rich ambient lighting. The RX 350 is offered exclusively as a two-row, five-seat compact SUV, with passengers enjoying plush and comfortable seating. The sculpted front seats perfectly blend comfort and support, while the ergonomic steering wheel and intuitive controls are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Infotainment Technology

What you get regarding infotainment tech with the Highlander depends significantly on the trim level. The more basic LE and XLE come with an 8.0-inch infotainment display, while a larger 12.3-inch interface is available on the XLE and standard on higher trims. The top-tier Platinum trim also enjoys a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, compared to the traditional analog gauges and 7.0-inch screen found in the rest of the lineup. All Highlanders also have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

The infotainment display screen sits in the center of the Lexus RX's redesigned dash and is elegantly angled slightly toward the driver for a more straightforward interface. A 9.8-inch screen is installed as standard across the line, with the option for a larger 14.0-inch display. The infotainment system runs off Lexus' latest software interface, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as standard. Optional features include navigation and a head-up display. For the ultimate audio experience, a refined Mark Levinson stereo system is available as an optional extra.

Safety and Reliability

Both Lexus and Toyota equip their vehicles with a comprehensive suite of modern safety and driver-assistance technologies. The Highlander comes standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, lane-keep assist, and even traffic sign recognition.

Standard safety technologies in the Lexus RX are comparable. The emergency braking system can detect pedestrians and motorcyclists, the adaptive cruise control includes a lane-centering feature, and the lane departure warning feature has lane-keep assist.

Thanks to these safety features, the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX enjoy five-star overall safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pricing, Trim Levels, and Value for Money

The Toyota Highlander starts at $39,820 for the base-level LE, rising to $52,225 for the top-tier Platinum trim. The Lexus RX is more of a luxury vehicle, and pricing reflects this. The base RX has an MSRP of $50,475, while the top-of-the-line Luxury trim has a price tag of $61,270.

The midrange RX 350 Premium Plus trim probably strikes the best balance for most drivers, adding luxury elements such as leather upholstery, the larger infotainment screen, and an available head-up display for $56,215.

Make the Right Choice for Your Driving Needs

Both vehicles make a compelling choice. However, the Lexus RX edges ahead thanks to its luxury refinements and the opportunity to customize with the range of trim options. Ultimately, deciding which is best depends entirely on your individual driving preferences. Let our Lexus of Smithtown team help you find the perfect car. Stop by our dealership or contact us today to discuss your needs and arrange a test-drive of one of our new cars for sale!

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