2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Lexus RX

The 2021 Lexus RX boasted a distinguishing modern design that encapsulated Lexus's signature styling. Its exterior included a prominent grille, angular headlamps, a shapely body, and a floating roof. Sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery and a somewhat outdated center console were notable interior features. The RX series was available in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid. The RX F Sport variant was tailored for performance, whereas the RXL and RXL Hybrid added a third-row seating option.

Exterior features for the RX included standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lights, rear privacy glass, integrated rear spoilers, and side mirrors with LED turn signals. Options for exterior upgrades incorporated 20-inch split five-spoke wheels, triple-beam LED headlights, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The F Sport Appearance package enhanced the aesthetic with 20-inch F Sport wheels, unique fascia, and F Sport badging.

The interior of the RX presented high-quality appointments like carpeted floor mats, chrome inside door handles, and leather-trimmed steering wheels and shift knobs. Higher trims offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, captain’s chairs, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the center console design, which relied on dated charcoal plastic with traditional buttons, detracted from the overall modern feel.

Comparatively, the 2022 Toyota Highlander exhibited a modern and slightly aggressive front end design, marked by flared fender arches and upward-kicking third-row windows that visually minimized its spaciousness. The XSE variant especially stood out with unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Trims for the Highlander ranged from the base L to the high-end Platinum. The entry-level L featured 18-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. As you climbed the trim levels, additional features such as LED fog lights, moonroofs, wireless device charging, and heated front seats appeared. The XSE variant offered distinctive exterior traits like 20-inch alloy wheels and a bold red leather interior. Limited and Platinum trims delivered premium features like a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated seats, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The 2021 Lexus RX lineup was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though generally smooth, the transmission could occasionally hesitate under acceleration. Recommended fuel for the RX was 91 octane. The RX Hybrid variants combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing a total of 308 horsepower.

Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 with FWD was rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. AWD versions or the RXL reduced combined efficiency to 22 mpg and 21 mpg respectively. Hybrid models achieved either 29 or 31 mpg city depending on configuration, with 28 mpg highway.

Performance-wise, the RX benefitted from adaptive variable suspension in the F Sport Handling package. Though it wasn’t a sport SUV like the Audi SQ5, the RX F Sport added a dash of vigor to its otherwise composed and comfortable handling. Lexus limited the RX to a top speed of 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time around 7.7 to 7.9 seconds depending on drivetrain.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine that also delivered 295 horsepower, with torque slightly lower at 263 pound-feet. The engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with a tap-shift function and optional steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Highlander featured driving modes such as Sport, Normal, and Eco, with additional AWD settings for Mud/Sand and Rock.

The Highlander’s V6 excelled in mid-range performance and provided a robust exhaust note during overtake maneuvers. The Highlander Hybrid, which was not the focus here, stood out for fuel efficiency. The Highlander’s ride was particularly enhanced in the XSE trim, which featured sport-tuned suspension, yielding reduced body roll and composed handling through high-speed turns. Towing capacity for the Highlander reached up to 5,000 pounds, while payload peaked at 1,685 pounds for certain trims.

The functional design of the 2021 Lexus RX was evident, though its cargo space was not its strong suit. The two-row RX models provided 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row RXL offered a mere 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second row, and 58.5 cubic feet when both the second and third rows were folded.

In comparison, the 2022 Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo capacity. With both the second and third rows of seats folded, the Highlander offered an impressive 84.3 cubic feet of storage space. Even with the second row in use, there was 48.4 cubic feet available, and 16 cubic feet behind the third row. The Highlander also boasted practical interior features such as deep door pockets, multiple USB ports, and generous center console storage.

The Highlander’s second-row captain’s chairs facilitated easier third-row access and provided a separated space, beneficial on family road trips. Although the third row in both vehicles was tight for adults, the Highlander managed to deliver a more practical and versatile interior layout.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, WiFi hotspot, and six USB ports. Upgrade options included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, wireless charging, and premium audio systems like the 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound setup.

While the RX’s infotainment touchscreen functioned appropriately, the Remote Touch controller remained a debated feature. This touchpad system, intended to act like a mouse for screen selection, was not as refined as the competition and occupied valuable console space.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a straightforward and user-friendly technology suite. Standard items included a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Highlander’s system, while lacking wireless smartphone integration, benefited from physical buttons augmenting the touchscreen interface.

The XSE trim featured wireless charging and both USB and USB-C ports, with options like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL stereo system available on higher trims. This blend of tactile and digital controls positioned the Highlander’s infotainment system as user-friendly and effective.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with top marks in crashworthiness tests. The RX series included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced stability control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 incorporated a suite of features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and road sign assist.

However, the technology did not reach the hands-free driving capabilities seen in newer competitors. The LATCH system allowed for secure child seat installation but missed some of the more advanced safety features found in newer models.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Trims above the L included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims optionally added parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, surround-view monitors, and adaptive headlights.

The Highlander’s safety systems, while comprehensive, exhibited overly sensitive adjustments in lane-assist technologies, which could sometimes overly correct or be intrusive during certain driving conditions. Nonetheless, the suite provided a robust array of safety aids.