2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander presented a practical yet unremarkable exterior design, characterized by a wide, flat-bottomed grille and a boxy silhouette. The Platinum Hybrid Max trim, which was the focus of our test drive, featured 20-inch alloy wheels and captain’s chairs in the second row. Inside, the brown interior was more functional than luxurious, with leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats and bronze accents. The cabin felt spacious and airy, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof, although the fake wood trim detracted from the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more refined exterior with a large grille reminiscent of the older spindle design, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and a rear LED light bar. The TX came with three interior colour options, and while the cabin featured ambient lighting and suede trim, the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a novel touch, but they seemed unnecessary. Overall, the TX's interior was spacious, with a focus on practicality rather than opulence.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 265-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the non-hybrid model. The hybrid version produced 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max combined the turbo-four with a hybrid system to deliver 362 hp. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup, with variations in the system depending on the powertrain. The Hybrid Max featured full-time AWD, enhancing stability and agility. Despite its power, the Grand Highlander was not a performance vehicle, with light steering and minimal differences in drive modes. The Multi-Terrain Select system provided settings for various conditions, but the vehicle was not suited for serious off-roading.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 came equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had full-time AWD, while the TX 500h utilized Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system for torque distribution. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h also featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling, though it was not designed as a sports car.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander provided ample interior space, with three-zone climate control and heated front seats as standard. The third row offered significant legroom, making it comfortable for adults. The vehicle was family-friendly, with easy car seat installation and accessible third-row anchors. Storage solutions included a dash shelf and a large cubby, while cargo space ranged from 586 litres to 2,761 litres with seats folded. The Grand Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2026 Lexus TX also featured three-zone climate control and heated seats, with ventilated second-row seats standard on the TX 500h. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a customizable digital instrument cluster on higher trims. The Platinum Hybrid Max included a digital rearview camera mirror and a 360-degree camera system. A 10-inch head-up display was also available, along with multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. However, some features required a subscription, such as navigation and voice assistant.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen, though some functions lacked polish, such as satellite radio navigation. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues were noted. Subscription services were required for navigation and other features. The TX offered a clear back-up camera, Advanced Park system, and a rear-camera mirror. It also included seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while traffic jam assist was exclusive to the Platinum Hybrid Max. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Highlander five stars, and the IIHS gave it mostly "Good" scores, with an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist was also standard, though it was often turned off due to random activations. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and a hands-free option was available via subscription. The NHTSA rated the TX five stars, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and "Good" for the passenger’s side.