2021 Lexus RX vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was more about subtlety than making a bold statement. Its exterior featured a trapezoidal theme that was consistent across various elements like the tailgate, headlights, and grille. The body panels had more pronounced creases compared to previous models, and the new paint colors, such as the Blueprint, added a touch of elegance. Inside, the Highlander excelled with its quality fit and finish. The cabin was adorned with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that housed an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior color palettes were pleasing, with the Limited trim offering a three-tone interior that combined brown, beige, and black. The Highlander’s interior was noted for its padded surfaces and rich textures, making it a standout in its class.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a showcase of modern design aesthetics, featuring a large grille, angular headlamps, and a floating roof. The RX was available in five variants, each offering a unique blend of style and functionality. The exterior changes made in 2020 carried over, with elongated headlights and a refined front end. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with options for 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the RX was well-appointed, even in the base model, with NuLuxe-trimmed seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The F Sport package added performance-oriented features like adaptive suspension and sport seats. However, the center console design was criticized for its dated appearance, despite the overall comfort and luxury of the interior.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It was available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The eight-speed automatic transmission made good use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for quick acceleration. The Highlander’s steering was noted for being loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than precision. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The AWD version was slightly less efficient, but the hybrid variant offered impressive fuel efficiency of up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus RX shared the same 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The RX Hybrid models added three electric motors, boosting the output to 308 horsepower. The RX was praised for its smooth ride and comfortable cruising capabilities. The F Sport model offered a bit more excitement with its adaptive suspension and sportier handling. Fuel economy for the RX 350 FWD was rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, while the hybrid models achieved up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX was limited to a top speed of 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.7 seconds for the FWD model.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the optional second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous adjustments and easy access to the third row. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Highlander featured practical storage solutions, including shelves integrated into the dash and multiple cupholders. The controls were straightforward, with a user-friendly infotainment system.

The 2021 Lexus RX provided seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL variants. Front and second-row passengers enjoyed plenty of space, but the third row was cramped. Cargo capacity was limited compared to some competitors, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row models. The three-row RXL offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with a standard infotainment system that included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch screen available on higher trims. While the system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was criticized for its low-resolution display and lack of onboard apps. The Highlander featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display on upper trims. Safety and convenience features included adaptive cruise control and a semi-automated driving system.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, but lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The RX featured a Remote Touch controller, which was not as intuitive as some competitors' systems. The RX also offered a range of audio options, from a nine-speaker system to a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring well in crash tests.

The 2021 Lexus RX also received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with good marks in crashworthiness tests. The RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a suite of driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The RX had 10 airbags and blind-spot monitoring as standard.