2020 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Lexus NX

2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus NX
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the better choice, offering a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a higher level of standard safety features.

Overview

MSRP

$34,600

MSRP

$37,610

Average price

$30,751

Average price

$31,356

Listings

565

Listings

795
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor handling
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
  • Quiet cabin
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor handling
  • Cramped back seat

2020 Toyota Highlander Reviews Summary

Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil.

2021 Lexus NX Reviews Summary

One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 295 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 235 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

8

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

295 hp @ 6600 rpm

Horsepower

235 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

28
2020 Toyota Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus NX
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Toyota Highlander
$34,600MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus NX
$37,610MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Highlander is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus NX scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is the better choice, offering a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a higher level of standard safety features.

Overview
MSRP
$34,600
$37,610
Average price
$30,751
$31,356
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Poor handling
  • Uninspired styling
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Comfortable
  • Quiet cabin
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor handling
  • Cramped back seat
Summary
Midsize three-row SUVs are all spacious and powerful, but only the Toyota Highlander reaches the premium threshold for passenger comfort. Redesigned for 2020, the Highlander's revised styling and technology are secondary to its silent operation, soft ride, and cosseting interior. The upper trims feel and drive just like a Lexus, without the upcharge. There is nothing exciting about a Highlander, and yet, there is no other SUV in the $35,000 to $50,000 range that feels so effortless and tranquil.
One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 295 hp V6
2.0L 235 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
8
5
Horsepower
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
235 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
20
22
MPG Highway
28
28
Look and feel
2020 Toyota Highlander
7/10
2021 Lexus NX
7/10

The 2020 Toyota Highlander had a design that was more functional than exciting. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme, with a slanted tailgate glass and exaggerated body panel creases. The higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasted projector-beam LED headlights, fog lights, and big 20-inch wheels. The interior, however, was where the Highlander shined. It had a well-crafted cabin with quality fit and finish, highlighted by silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash. The Limited trim offered a three-tone interior with padded surfaces and rich textures, making it one of the nicest interiors in its class.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the NX F Sport featured quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design looked outdated compared to newer models.

Performance
2020 Toyota Highlander
6/10
2021 Lexus NX
7/10

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It came with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot to initiate a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and its soft suspension had too much rebound, making it feel like an older Buick at speed. However, it offered a wonderfully isolating experience, especially on long road trips. The AWD models included torque vectoring on the rear axle and selectable driving modes. Fuel economy was good, with the FWD model rated at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. The F Sport variant featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on all trims. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model rated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD model had similar ratings but slightly lower combined fuel efficiency. The NX also had an adaptive-suspension system for a smoother ride.

Form and function
2020 Toyota Highlander
9/10
2021 Lexus NX
7/10

The 2020 Toyota Highlander could seat eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander offered three-zone climate control, a 120-volt outlet, and a large panoramic moonroof on the Platinum trim. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. The controls were simple and legible, with an easy-to-use infotainment interface.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and available heated and ventilated seats. However, its cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats. The interior was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, typical of a Lexus.

Technology
2020 Toyota Highlander
7/10
2021 Lexus NX
6/10

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured an outdated infotainment system with low-resolution screens and a convoluted process for using onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, but it didn't fully utilize its size. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The Highlander had a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system was decent. Standard features included SiriusXM, HD radio, WiFi, and four USB-A ports.

The 2021 Lexus NX had an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus system was not user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The NX also offered a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

Safety
2020 Toyota Highlander
9/10
2021 Lexus NX
7/10

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander had a driver's knee airbag and a special cushion airbag for the front passenger. The IIHS awarded it a 2020 Top Safety Pick, and it scored top ratings in all six crash tests.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The IIHS gave the NX top "Good" scores in all crash tests, and the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus Enform Safety Connect was also standard.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Toyota Highlander
8/10
2021 Lexus NX
8/10
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