2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking example for fans of sleek, black-on-black vehicles, though it proved difficult to keep clean. Available in Starfire Pearl, Nori Green Pearl, and Black Onyx, the tested model showcased the Black Line treatment that removed most chrome accents from the GX's exterior. This treatment, combined with the Black Onyx paint, transformed the SUV into an eye-catching, all-black vehicle. However, within 24 hours, a windy afternoon left the Lexus coated in a dreary layer of brown dust, quickly aging its appearance.

Despite its modern features, the GX retained a dated look. The only elements that hinted at modernity were the signature Lexus spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights. Without these, one might confuse a 2022 GX for the first-generation 2002 GX 470. While the interior did not appear as ancient, it still maintained a similar thematic approach.

Quality, however, was a strong point; the cabin exuded refinement with its meticulous craftsmanship and soft-touch materials, enhancing the luxurious Lexus experience. It remained impressively quiet, with minimal engine noise disturbing the serenity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern, somewhat aggressive design with its flared fender arches and elevated third-row window. This clever design trick made the spacious SUV appear more compact. But appearances did not deceive when inside, where ample cabin space and practical storage solutions made for a family-friendly environment.

The XSE test car stood out with its bold red leather interior package against a sedate navy blue exterior, delivering a unique, striking combination. Additional XSE features included distinct exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander’s trims ranged from L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, to Platinum. Each trim level progressively added more sophisticated and luxurious features, reflecting in both comfort and technology. For example, the base L trim featured essentials like 18-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Platinum trim included high-end amenities like adaptive headlights and a panoramic sunroof.

The GX 460 had a hefty base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, necessitating a robust 4.6-liter V8 engine. This powertrain delivered 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in a leisurely 7.8 seconds. Its strength was further evidenced by a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system featuring a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, the GX provided reliable traction, distributing power in a 40:60 front-to-rear ratio in normal conditions. Its high drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the always-active 4WD system and the formidable V8 engine, resulted in a modest EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving.

The GX’s ride quality was notably enhanced by the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which improved both on-road stability and off-road agility. However, the SUV’s handling was marred by slow, heavy steering and a touchy brake pedal, which impaired smooth driving in traffic.

Featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2022 Highlander produced 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The transmission included a tap-shift function, and certain trims featured paddle shifters. The drive-mode button on the center console facilitated Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, while a separate dial allowed AWD modes including Mud/Sand and Rock.

While the V6 engine was competent off the line, it truly excelled when cruising or accelerating to highway speeds, offering ample power for overtakes. Notably, the Highlander generated a surprisingly sporty exhaust note.

The Highlander’s towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds, which was average for its class. The FWD L and LE trims achieved a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds. The XSE trim, with its sport-tuned suspension, minimized body roll yet remained comfortable over bumpy terrain, displaying good steering balance on both urban roads and highways.

The Lexus GX featured a commanding driving position courtesy of a 10-way power-adjustable seat and excellent outward visibility. Its dimensions—tall in height, narrow in width, and short in length—facilitated easy maneuvering in various environments. Despite the comfort and thoughtful placement of interior padding, some control placements were less intuitive. For instance, stereo adjustments were often confused with the DAC and 4WD knobs, leading to user frustration.

The Black Line Special Edition model boasted NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, rear-seat access was hindered by narrow door openings. Although the second-row seats offered ample legroom and a tall seating position, the third-row was cramped and difficult to access, making it unsuitable for adults or even children due to safety concerns.

Cargo space was significantly limited by the third-row seats. With these seats in place, cargo capacity was a meager 11.6 cubic feet. Folding them down increased it to 46.7 cubic feet, while a maximum of 64.7 cubic feet was available with the second row folded—a figure lower than that of a Toyota RAV4. The GX’s side-swinging tailgate added another layer of inconvenience when loading cargo, particularly in tight spaces or curbside parking.

The Toyota Highlander excelled in cargo capacity, offering up to 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. With only the second row in use, cargo space was slightly reduced to 48.4 cubic feet. Even with all seats in use, it provided a respectable 16 cubic feet of space. Loading and unloading were made easier by quick-release latches and pull-straps on the seats. Higher trims, such as Limited and Platinum, featured convenient power and hands-free liftgates.

Interior storage solutions were plentiful. The base L trim included an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and ample storage pockets. The XSE trim's second-row captain’s chairs created a convenient aisle to the third row, enhancing comfort for both short trips and long journeys. While the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, the second row offered generous space and comfort.

For 2022, the Lexus GX 460 was touted as the most advanced in its lineup, thanks to an upgraded 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Located prominently at the top of the center control panel, this screen made navigation and media controls accessible. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, supplemented by traditional elements like a CD player.

Despite the new screen, the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad remained, occupying valuable space. The layout of the stereo controls was another issue—positioned awkwardly below the off-roading controls, the small, smooth knobs were hard to grasp compared to the more textured DAC and 4WD knobs.

However, the infotainment system’s dual-screen view allowed simultaneous display of navigation and radio information, and its voice recognition technology was notably quick and accurate. Options included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, enhancing the overall audio experience.

The 2022 Highlander featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Despite not offering wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, its straightforward layout and supplementary hard buttons made for an intuitive user experience. A WiFi hotspot and five USB ports added to the suite of tech features.

Higher trims offered additional amenities like a wireless charging pad, larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The Highlander’s blend of screen menus and tactile buttons maintained a balance between modern and traditional control schemes, appealing to a broad range of users.

Although the Lexus GX lacked modern crash-test ratings due to its outdated structure, it included the standard Lexus Safety System+, comprising features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, with Safety Connect services offered complimentary for three years.

However, more advanced driver aids like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and other semi-autonomous technologies were absent, potentially disappointing buyers seeking cutting-edge safety features.

The Toyota Highlander came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams.

Most trims above the base L featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Advanced safety options for higher trims included front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view monitor, head-up display, and adaptive headlights. However, the lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were overly sensitive, sometimes creating a jarring driving experience.