2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX featured the updated Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, which contributed to its distinctive look. However, the interior did not quite match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt more like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic materials. While the semi-aniline leather was standard, the overall interior design felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a cleverly designed third-row window that made the spacious SUV appear more compact. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and innovative storage solutions, such as the optional bold red leather package in the XSE trim. The Highlander’s interior was both functional and stylish, with features like ambient interior lighting and a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim, making it a more contemporary choice for families seeking comfort and style.

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 high-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, but the GX excelled in off-road capabilities with features like a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it a robust choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Highlander’s AWD system and drive-mode options, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, provided versatility for various driving conditions. The Highlander excelled in handling, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, which was average for its class, but its overall performance was more refined and suited for everyday driving.

The interior of the 2021 Lexus GX reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the GX offered excellent outward visibility, the forward view was hindered by the tall hood. The interior storage was limited, with small cupholders and storage bins. The GX featured three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander provided a more spacious and versatile interior, with up to 2,387 litres of cargo space when the second and third rows were folded. The Highlander’s interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring deep cargo pockets, multiple cupholders, and ample storage compartments. The XSE trim offered second-row captain’s chairs, enhancing comfort and accessibility to the third row. While the third row was less spacious for adults, the overall interior design was family-friendly and adaptable for various needs.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included a basic infotainment system with outdated graphics and limited functionality. The GX did offer a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and analog controls for ease of use, but it fell short of modern tech expectations for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came equipped with a more advanced infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was user-friendly, with hard buttons complementing the touchscreen interface. The Highlander offered additional tech features like a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen. The blend of screens and hard controls provided a balanced and intuitive user experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring driver aids 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, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered a comprehensive suite of safety features with the Toyota Safety Sense package, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. The Highlander also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and eight airbags as standard. The IIHS rated the Highlander as a Top Safety Pick+, highlighting its strong safety credentials.