2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a standout in Toyota's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, offering a range of options from all-gas to hybrid-powered models. Built on the TNGA-K platform, it shared its underpinnings with the regular Highlander, RAV4, Sienna, and Camry, distinguishing itself from the body-on-frame Sequoia. With a length of 5,115 millimetres and a wheelbase of 2,950 mm, it was larger than competitors like the Kia Telluride, providing a spacious interior. Its design, inspired by rugged vehicles, featured a blockier style with a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, reminiscent of the 4Runner. The Grand Highlander was available in three trims: XLE, Limited, and Platinum, with interior options ranging from black Softex synthetic leather to real leather in higher trims. It offered a comfortable and well-built interior, making it an excellent choice for road trips.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with distinct differences. It boasted an upscale appearance with 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. Available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, the TX offered a range of options. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive. The Ultra Luxury package added premium features like ambient interior lighting and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Despite some interior design choices, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to carry the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options, starting with a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid option delivered 245 combined net horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. At the top, the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain generated 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. All powertrains came with all-wheel drive in Canada. While not a sports car, the Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was expected to account for 85% of sales with the standard gas engine. It offered solid brakes and adequate acceleration, with three drive modes: Sport, Eco, and Normal, and additional modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, feeling quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L. During testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate. Overall, the TX 350 offered adequate performance for typical driving situations.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, offering more than 5 metres in length and a 2,950 mm wheelbase. This translated to extra storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Kia Telluride. With seats in position, it provided 1,640 litres behind the second row and 583 litres with all three rows up. The Grand Highlander offered a comfortable interior with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in every row, making it suitable for adults in the third row.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada. The TX provided a habitable third-row seat for adults, with a stadium-style bottom cushion and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward for third-row comfort compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row folded and 2,746 litres with the second row down.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous interfaces. An intelligent assistant, available via a connected-services subscription, responded to voice commands. The system included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 11-speaker JBL stereo, standard on Limited and Platinum trims, provided good sound quality. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available with a subscription.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen display, offered a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested or rated by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Traffic jam assist and a head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum grade. Adaptive cruise control with four following-distance settings was also standard.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system were also included. Executive packages offered additional features like front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.