2020 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander embraced a more conservative aesthetic, though it still included some notable updates from its predecessor. The tailgate glass had a more pronounced slant, and the body panels had exaggerated creases that created sweeping arcs around the fenders. Trapezoidal design elements defined the tailgate's license plate cutout, rear bumper, slimmer headlights, grille, and the lower front bumper. The projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights were standard on trims beyond the base L, with more sophisticated LED running lamps reserved for the Limited and Platinum trims. New 20-inch wheels on the top-tier trims and attractive paint colors like Blueprint added elements of distinction. Despite these enhancements, the Highlander's exterior remained somewhat mundane.

Inside, Toyota's attention to detail shone. The cabin featured silver-painted accents on armrests, the steering wheel, and a chunky gear selector that contrasted beautifully with the multi-layered dash and polished black plastic. The color palettes were varied and engaging, with the Limited trim sporting a three-tone interior consisting of brown, beige, and black. The use of padded surfaces and rich textures throughout the cabin added a touch of luxury unseen in most competitors, only rivalled by the Kia Telluride. Although some areas of the door panels felt less premium, overall, the Highlander’s interior was a significant strength.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus RX received substantial upgrades, making it even more eye-catching. The refreshed exterior featured standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights. The optional triple-beam LED headlights and new paint colors, Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl, added a further touch of finesse. The grille's redesign aligned it more with other Lexus cars, and changes such as dual exhaust, a new rear diffuser, and updated reflectors modernized the SUV's look.

The RX's cabin maintained its luxurious appeal with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum. The F Sport appearance package added specialized features like unique steering wheels, shift knobs, aluminum pedals, and more, enhancing both the aesthetics and the driving experience. Despite the RX's technology-focused design, its interior continued to cater equally to luxury and durability, crucial for family usage.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The V6 engine churned out 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth and near-silent performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission was competent, though initiating a kickdown required a firm press on the accelerator. Despite a new, rigid chassis, the Highlander's loose steering and soft suspension resulted in frequent adjustments at highway speeds and a ride that sometimes felt floaty. The Highlander's size and weight made it less nimble, reducing driver confidence, though the vehicle offered a very calm and cushioned driving experience, reminiscent of the Lexus approach. The environmental efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model delivering an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined; the AWD model fared slightly less at 20/27/23. The even more efficient hybrid model achieved up to 36 mpg combined.

Similar to the Highlander, the 2020 Lexus RX used a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, the RX delivered comparable performance, with the three-row RX 350L models marginally less powerful at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h offered an environmentally friendly option, combining the V6 with an electric motor to generate 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid versions featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and included several electric motors to enhance performance and efficiency.

The RX was notably less athletic but offered adequate power for most driving needs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. The F Sport models introduced agility-focused features such as adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels, improving the RX’s handling, though lacking the Highlander's torque vectoring. Fuel economy in the RX was competitive, with the RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the hybrid RX 450h excelled at 30 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander provided flexible seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers or seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. Key trims such as Platinum exclusively featured captain's chairs, while the base trims offered only bench seating. The second-row seats provided ample legroom and versatility, with easy adjustments for reclining and fore/aft movement, facilitating access to the third row. The Highlander boasted impressive cargo space, with up to 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and a total of 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. Additional features included a three-zone climate control system, numerous cupholders, and innovative storage solutions, making it highly family-friendly.

On the other hand, the 2020 Lexus RX fell short on cargo space, especially in its three-row configuration. While the two-row model comfortably seated four adults and offered good front seating positions and visibility, the third-row seats in the RX-L were cramped, suitable only for small children or pets. The RX’s cargo area was less competitive, with a higher load floor and significantly less space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. Despite this, the RX offered useful features like a hands-free liftgate and easy-folding split rear seats, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander’s technology suite lagged behind its competitors, primarily due to its dated infotainment system. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen, while large, was underutilized, with limited display flexibility and low-resolution visuals. However, standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration provided necessary modern conveniences. The Highlander also featured a comprehensive semi-automated driving system, adaptive cruise control, and robust safety features. A 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display augmented the driving experience, though the overall infotainment interface needed improvement.

Lexus made considerable improvements to the RX’s infotainment system for 2020, moving the touch screens 5.5 inches closer to the driver to enhance usability. Despite ongoing critiques, the RX benefited from standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, which helped mitigate some of the system’s shortcomings. The touchpad system on the center console saw responsiveness improvements, yet user navigation could still be challenging. Lexus equipped the RX with six USB ports and a choice between a standard 12-speaker audio system or an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system, catering well to audiophiles.

Both the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX offered strong safety features, albeit with some distinctions. The Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick for its excellent crash test performance and effective emergency braking system.

The Lexus RX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and additional safety measures such as low-light pedestrian detection and lane-tracing assist. It included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect, although reliability issues were noted in testing. Despite being a model deep into its generation, the RX still received commendable safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.