2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX appeared smaller due to its reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out without being overly aggressive.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, featuring digital instrumentation and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The vehicle offered high-quality materials, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX was available in several trims, including the RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with the regular Highlander and other Toyota models. It was notably larger than its competitors, with a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, offering a spacious interior. The Grand Highlander's design was more conservative and blockier, drawing inspiration from rugged vehicles like the 4Runner. It was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from black Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims.

The Grand Highlander offered three engine options, including a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. All models featured AWD, and the Hybrid Max delivered impressive acceleration with a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander excelled in comfort and space, with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres and ample room for passengers in all rows. Its infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional intelligent assistant.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. During testing, the RX 350 AWD demonstrated a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres. The RX 350 Executive trim offered a smooth ride but exhibited occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces. The F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, provided a more secure and sure-footed experience, especially in Sport mode. Both trims featured 21-inch wheels with 235/50 all-season tires, and the F Sport 3's adaptive suspension minimized unwanted bouncing and rolling.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-litre hybrid with 245 horsepower, and the Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 horsepower. All models featured AWD, and the Hybrid Max delivered a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was not designed for sports car performance, but the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration. The standard gas-engine model accounted for 85% of sales and offered adequate power for everyday driving. The Grand Highlander featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional off-road modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior with options for semi-aniline premium leather upholstery and exclusive luxury seat designs. The RX 350 Executive trim featured ten-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 trim included black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The RX provided ample leg support and good legroom in the back seat, but taller passengers might find headroom tight. The cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in position and 1,308 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its competitors, with a length of over 5 metres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm. It offered a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, with 1,640 litres behind the second-row seats and 583 litres with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander provided ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, making it comfortable for passengers of all sizes. Its spacious interior and large cargo capacity made it a practical choice for families and road trips.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and various connected services plans. The Drive Connect plan offered an Intelligent Assistant with natural voice recognition, allowing users to control features with voice commands. The RX also offered a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and optional features like a colour head-up display and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, along with cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, providing good sound quality. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were also available.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also offered semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control offered four following-distance settings, and traffic jam assist and a head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum grade.