Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, with its redesigned exterior, maintained a familiar aesthetic that was both understated and elegant. The RX 350h Luxury model, despite its hybrid nature, bore no distinguishing marks from its non-hybrid counterpart, save for a badge on the liftgate. This subtlety was appreciated by those who prefer their hybrids to blend in seamlessly. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its bold Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling, signaling its performance-oriented nature. Inside, the RX offered a minimalist design with a modern infotainment system, ambient lighting, and luxurious materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim in the RX 350h Luxury. The RX 500h F Sport Performance featured a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim, offering a more dynamic driving environment.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a more utilitarian design, with minimal changes from previous models. The new Cypress Green paint and standard power-folding mirrors on higher trims were among the few updates. The Highlander's exterior was characterized by exaggerated styling elements, such as scowling headlights and flared fenders, which some found overdone. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's cabin was spacious but lacked the refinement of the Lexus. The dashboard featured large air vents and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, but the mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the Highlander Hybrid offered practicality with its three-zone climate control and ample seating for families, though the third row was best suited for occasional use.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to deliver 36 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed an average of 32 mpg. The RX 350h accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and performance. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, generating 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but averaged only 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension, upgraded brakes, and rear-wheel steering contributed to its dynamic handling, making it a more engaging drive.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 35 mpg, real-world testing yielded 28.7 mpg. The SUV's performance was adequate for city driving, but high-speed passing power was limited due to the engine's 175 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, but its soft suspension and CVT made for a less engaging driving experience. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to optimize fuel efficiency, but its effectiveness was limited.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, especially in the RX 350h Luxury trim with its ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered sportier seating with larger bolsters and a thicker steering wheel. The hybrids' battery packs were located under the rear seat, slightly raising the seat cushion but providing excellent leg support and good legroom. However, rear headroom was tight due to the lower roofline. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, an improvement over the previous model but still less than some competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized practicality with seating for seven or eight, depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best for occasional use. The Highlander Hybrid included three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The front seats offered power adjustment, but additional thigh support would have been appreciated. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, with sunshades for added privacy. The third row was cramped, suitable only for short trips. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, a significant upgrade that required subscription services for full functionality. The system featured a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a cloud-based navigation system with an Intelligent Assistant. While the system worked well, it had some drawbacks, such as limited screen views and reflections. The available head-up display included dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received updated technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system offered over-the-air updates, dual-device Bluetooth pairing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected service plans, such as Wi-Fi Connect and Remote Connect, were standard, with Drive Connect providing additional features like a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The Highlander Hybrid's technology was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, helping to maintain safe distances and speeds. While the system generally performed well, some features, like the curve-speed reduction tech, were less effective. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these were not tested.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive ADAS suite with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.