Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the cabin was noted for its quietness on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented a more upscale and conservative design. The TX featured 22-inch wheels that enhanced its appearance, and its styling was toned down compared to other Lexus models. The TX 350, the likely volume-selling version, offered a luxurious interior with premium materials, though it was noted that the dark interior could feel too sombre. The TX's cabin was considered luxurious enough for a Lexus badge, with standard features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic glass sunroof contributing to its appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard all-wheel drive and was designed for fuel efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. However, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was described as lacklustre, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made the ride feel disconnected. The SUV was noted for its quietness on the highway but lacked engaging driving dynamics.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, with performance described as adequate. The TX 350's ride and handling were praised for their balance, offering a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal was noted to be too soft. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though it averaged 13.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best suited for occasional use. The interior featured standard three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comfort features in the Platinum package. The Highlander Hybrid offered a useful dashboard shelf and various storage areas, though some were unlined, contributing to noise. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,387 litres available with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more spacious and comfortable third-row seat. The TX 350 test unit featured premium materials and standard heated and ventilated seats. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the third-row seat was habitable for adults. The TX provided numerous storage options, though some lacked lining. Cargo space was ample, with 572 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 2,746 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a cloud-based navigation system and natural voice recognition. While the technology was generally easy to use, the graphics could have been bolder for better visibility.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. The Executive packages added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were criticized for being distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital assistant available through a Drive Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features like parking sensors and a surround-view camera available on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, though it was not always transparent in its operation. The TX offered additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, though it could be overly cautious when other vehicles cut in front.