2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with soft leather for the Limited and Platinum trims, although the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The mix of illumination colours in the gauges also contributed to a somewhat busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus RX maintained a modern and sporty design, with sharp character lines and angular features that stopped just short of excessiveness. The RX's exterior styling was aggressive, especially in the F Sport models, which featured 20-inch wheels, unique front fascia, and sporty accents. The interior of the RX continued this theme, with F Sport models adding specific badging and sporty trim elements. Despite the sporty appearance, the RX's centre stack felt dated, and the abundance of buttons contributed to this impression. The RX's cabin offered a high-quality feel with soft-touch surfaces, although the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport model were less comfortable than expected, lacking adequate cushioning and lumbar support.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency with a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km. However, this change also led to a decrease in total output to 243 horsepower. While the hybrid system provided adequate power for climbing hills and reaching freeway speeds, the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration or on inclines. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality suffered from unwanted body movement, especially on uneven roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing economy over driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower, while the RX 450h hybrid model combined the V6 with electric motors for a total output of 308 horsepower. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with an engine note that lacked the expected growl and acceleration that felt sluggish. The adaptive variable suspension and Sport+ drive mode promised sportier dynamics, but the differences between drive modes were subtle. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel consumption for the RX 350 was higher than the hybrid model, with the RX 450h offering better efficiency at 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum offered spacious and supportive seating for the driver and front passenger, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and lacked support, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row and up to 2,387 litres with all seats folded. However, the storage design was less accommodating than the previous generation, and the wireless charger blocked access to the storage area.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in the two-row model, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space for passengers and cargo, with only 210 litres of cargo space behind the third row. The RX's cargo area was accessible through a power liftgate, but the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design. Interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net for securing items.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display in the Platinum trim, offering a user-friendly interface with large knobs and shortcut buttons. The JBL premium audio system, however, delivered inconsistent sound quality. The Highlander also featured Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility. The driver information display provided detailed data and settings adjustments.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically challenging, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The touchpad control was hypersensitive and unintuitive, leading to frustration. The RX included a range of tech features such as USB ports, smartphone integration, wireless charging, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle personalization.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The system added intersection support and emergency steering assistance for 2021. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it earned four stars in frontal-impact tests.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System 2.0+, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but missed the "plus" designation. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.