2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

Lexus refreshed the RX for the 2020 model year, giving it significant upgrades inside and out. These changes were not minor; the styling updates allowed the RX to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. Despite its age, the RX remained a stylish step ahead of anything with a Toyota logo. The exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to resemble Lexus cars more closely, and two new paint colors were introduced: Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl. The rear received a fresh look with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate.

Inside, the RX continued to impress with a well-appointed cabin offering various interior colors and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport appearance package added unique features like a special steering wheel, shift knob, aluminum pedals, and 20-inch wheels. Leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel, and the SUV appeared robust enough for family life. However, the center stack's design, housing the climate controls, felt dated as the industry moved towards more stylish and button-free interiors.

Few shoppers would have accused the 2021 Toyota Highlander of being boring. It stood out in a crowd with its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights looked like they came off a Lexus model, albeit without the vertical element. The Highlander managed to look longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level, which featured a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia and lower spoiler. However, the XSE's sporty appearance did not translate into performance rivaling the Ford Explorer ST.

Our test vehicle, the Limited trim, looked upscale with chrome roof rails and accents, and it truly shined on the inside. The interior featured near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim. The wood details, though not real, looked fabulous. The Highlander thrived when leaning towards luxury, offering comfort and convenience as must-haves for a family car.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium 91 octane or higher fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had the same engine but were limited to 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor to achieve 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, recommended to run on 95 octane or higher gasoline. The RX 450hL, the elongated hybrid version, produced 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor, with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Both hybrid models used an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The RX was not an athlete, taking 7.9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, slightly longer for the RX 450hL. However, drivers rarely wished for more power, especially with the performance enhancements for this model year. The RX 350 achieved an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, while the RX 350L and RX 350 AWD got 22 mpg combined, and the RX 350L AWD managed 21 mpg combined. The RX 450h AWD excelled in fuel economy with 30 mpg combined, and the RX 450hL achieved 29 mpg combined. The F Sport models with the Handling Package featured adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, and various drive modes, including Sport S+ and Customize for F Sport owners. The RX 350 F Sport delivered a smooth drive experience, with good throttle response and shifting, though it struggled in snow without torque-vectoring technology.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Highlander Hybrid was a separate model. The powertrain was adequate, offering similar horsepower and torque levels to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The Highlander was not designed for drag races but provided enough power for highway merging. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing driving excitement without turning the Highlander into a track beast.

The 2020 Lexus RX interior was not as minimalist or stylish as its German luxury SUV competitors, but it was functional. Four adults could fit comfortably in the two-row RX model, while the three-row RX-L's third row was best for small children or pets. The cabin was wide and tall in its two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good outward visibility, though the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than rivals, with a high load floor compromising space. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to competitors like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in keeping driver and passengers comfortable, hauling luggage, and providing easy access to small items. The front seats featured large shelves for cell phones and a pass-through for charging cords. A wireless charging pad was standard on trims above the LE. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to maximize space. The third row could accommodate adults if the second row moved forward, though it was a tight fit. The rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, blowing straight down on middle-row passengers' heads. The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rows folded, providing ample space for most occasions.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but the 2020 model made strides to improve user experience. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver. Despite these changes, the system remained difficult to navigate, with a cumbersome screen layout. However, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other integrations helped mitigate these issues. The center console touchpad system improved in responsiveness, and the RX featured six USB ports. The standard 12-speaker audio system was adequate, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard across the lineup. The 12.3-inch screen was bright, crisp, and fast, but only certain apps utilized the full width. The JBL audio system sounded good but was not overly impressive.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 enhancements added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX also included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received five out of five stars from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.