2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the front grille, but the overall exterior felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was less jarring, with a metallic styling element that provided storage and broke up monotony. The Bronze Edition featured unique bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while visually interesting, attracted dirt and stains easily. The Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, and genuine leather was only available in higher trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was notably uncomfortable.

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, entered its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase. Despite its overall length remaining unchanged, it offered more cargo space than its predecessor. The RX's exterior featured a spindle-style grille integrated into a modern design, with upswept body sides and a light-blade taillight design. The RX's styling was familiar yet fresh, distinguishing it from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 350h and RX 500h hybrids offered additional options, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid expected later.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's lack of gear shifts resulted in an uninspired drone during acceleration, especially on hills. Braking was smooth, with regenerative braking seamlessly transitioning to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing over bumps, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The turbo engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same refinement. On a test loop, the RX 350 Executive displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the RX 350 F Sport 3 felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with fuel economy estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters offering extra support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had simulated leather seats and a sportier cabin. The back seat was roomy, with good leg support, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 838 litres available with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and a JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the Lexus Interface multimedia system, with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreens. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. Drive Connect offered features like Destination Assist and Intelligent Assistant, though some required subscriptions. The system allowed user profiles and music streaming through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was available, along with digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems generally worked well but could be improved for smoother operation.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. While impressive, some features had limitations, such as the adaptive cruise control's reliance on the HUD, which could be problematic with polarized sunglasses.