2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not quite match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt more like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but overall, the interior lacked the refinement expected in a luxury vehicle.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its bold design, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The character line along the side added a sporty touch reminiscent of the Supra sports car. The Highlander managed to look longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The new XSE trim level introduced a more aggressive front end and sportier suspension tuning, appealing to those seeking a blend of practicality and sportiness. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered an upscale appearance with chrome accents and a well-finished interior, featuring tan leather seats and dark brown trim.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a robust choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for family use. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort. The Highlander compared well with competitors in terms of power, offering a balanced performance for everyday driving needs.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility due to its boxy profile. The third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured convenient shelves for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could be adjusted for more space. The third row was suitable for adults only if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,245 litres with all seats folded. The Highlander offered a practical and comfortable interior for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a straightforward interface. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight, delivering quality sound.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a more advanced tech experience, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, enhancing connectivity. The navigation system was functional but struggled with points of interest. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and the infotainment interface was user-friendly.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Highlander received a five-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.