Lexus RX Hybrid vs 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 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with a unique Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite its price, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 350h was the base model, while the RX 500h delivered more power and the RX 450h+ offered a plug-in hybrid option. All models came with standard AWD in Canada and a range of packages. Inside, the RX featured a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, the controls were a mix of baffling and brilliant, with Lexus avoiding the single curved display approach. The RX Hybrid was a blend of luxury and technology, offering a comfortable ride with some ergonomic challenges.

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 featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine with 362 horsepower and 400 combined net pound-feet of torque. All models came with AWD in Canada, and while not designed for sports car performance, the Hybrid Max offered impressive acceleration with a zero-to-60 time of 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was known for its size, making it less maneuverable than the smaller Highlander, but it offered solid brakes and adequate acceleration. It featured three drive modes—Sport, Eco, and Normal—with additional modes for gas-only and Hybrid Max models.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h, each with distinct performance characteristics. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque, was the most efficient model, though its CVT was less than ideal. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, with a focus on electric-only driving range. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. While the RX 500h offered plenty of power and quick acceleration, it was less fuel-efficient, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its primary rivals, measuring over 5 metres in length with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. This extra length translated to significant storage space, with a total cargo capacity of 2,761 litres, surpassing the Kia Telluride by over 300 litres. With seats in position, it offered 1,640 litres behind the second row 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 adults, even in the third row.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, felt snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions were uncomfortable on long drives. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seat, which featured power-reclining, heated, and ventilated options. The RX provided ample room for adults in the back seat. Interior storage was practical, though the rear centre armrest lacked lining, causing potential noise. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, which was modest for a midsize SUV.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous models. An intelligent assistant was available via a connected-services subscription, responding to voice commands for tasks like adjusting temperature and changing radio stations. The subscription also included cloud-based navigation and live agent assistance. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Grand Highlander Limited and Platinum trims featured an 11-speaker JBL stereo, offering a balanced sound experience. Streaming audio integration and Sirius XM satellite radio were available, though subscription options required careful consideration.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with high-tech features, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a volume knob and large dials for climate control. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and streaming options through Apple Music or Amazon Music. The RX offered a cloud-based navigation system and a conversational digital voice assistant. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the steering wheel controls were frustrating.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard. This suite 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 Platinum grade offered traffic jam assist and a head-up display. Adaptive cruise control was standard, with four following-distance settings.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but received a Poor rating from IIHS for occupant protection in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.