2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a design that continuously impressed with its modernity and sportiness, adhering to the aesthetics established in its 2020 facelift. Available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, as well as in a hybrid variant labeled RX 450h, the RX catered to different needs, from the two-row, five-passenger base and F Sport models to the three-row, seven-passenger L models.

Lexus’ design language stayed ahead of its competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Mercedes-Benz GLE with aggressive styling. It featured razor-sharp character lines and angular front and rear features reminiscent of a boomerang, though stopping short of excess. The RX’s seven paint options, including newer additions like Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, and Grecian Water for the F Sport, provided consumers with a range of choices to match its sporty design.

The interior matched this external flair, with the F Sport trim adding a sporty element through model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trims. The standard models offered a wealth of material combinations, including NuLuxe synthetic leather or semi-aniline leather seats paired with various metal and wood trims. However, the cabin design felt somewhat dated, particularly the center stack, which remained unchanged since the pre-2020 refresh.

Driving comfort was undermined by the hard NuLuxe seats, limited lumbar support adjustments, and difficulty finding an ideal driving position. Yet, the limited-edition Black Line trim offered premium appeal with exclusive colors and contrasts in limited quantities, further enhancing the RX’s high-end profile.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander boasted a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and an upward kick in the third-row window, creating an illusion of compactness. The XSE model stood out with its bold red optional leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient interior lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander’s trims ranged from the base L trim to the luxurious Platinum trim, with the base L offering generous features like 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with comprehensive app integration. Upwards trims like the XLE and XSE added more comfort and tech features, such as power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and wireless device charging. The Limited and Platinum trims provided a sense of upscale sophistication with leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and additional audio and communication features.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with high-torque electric motors to produce 308 hp. Both variants featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available; the hybrid RX exclusively offered AWD.

Disappointingly, despite the F Sport designation, the RX failed to offer a truly sporty experience. Its performance and acceleration felt underwhelming, with the engine producing more of a hum than a growl. Although the F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, sportier steering, and additional driving modes, these failed to make a significant difference in handling or driving dynamics compared to the standard modes. However, the RX excelled in driving comfort and quietness, absorbing rough patches effortlessly and maintaining a serene cabin environment.

Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was acceptable, with ratings of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, which slightly dropped with AWD or the L model. The hybrid RX 450h significantly improved fuel economy to 30 mpg combined (31 city, 28 highway).

The 2022 Toyota Highlander also came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the RX, it offered FWD standard and AWD as an option, with the AWD system featuring specific driving modes for different terrains.

The Highlander’s engine showcased better pickup once in motion, and a throaty exhaust note added to its appeal. Standard and sport-tuned suspension versions provided responsive handling with reduced body roll and maintained comfort over bumps. The Highlander’s towing capacity capped at a decent 5,000 pounds, with a payload maximum of 1,685 pounds.

Inside, the standard two-row Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger space, making it comfortable for four adults, with slight snugness for a fifth passenger in the rear middle seat. Front occupants enjoyed 39.4 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, while rear passengers had 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom. Cargo space behind the second row was 16.0 cubic feet, expandable to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

In three-row models, however, cargo capacity significantly decreased. With all seats upright, the available space was only 7.45 cubic feet, increasing to 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded, though the seats did not fold completely flat. Despite the high load-in height, the RX included thoughtful interior features like a dedicated smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holders.

The Toyota Highlander provided up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, 48.4 cubic feet with the second row in use, and 16 cubic feet with all seats upright. Featuring easy-to-operate quick-release seat latches and pull-straps, the Highlander also offered power liftgate options on all trims except the base L, adding a hands-free variant on Limited and Platinum trims. Practicality extended to the cockpit, where deep door pockets, various ledges, and ample center console space supported driver and passenger needs. Second-row captain’s chairs aided accessibility to the third row, though the third row remained suitable only for short trips by adults.

The 2022 Lexus RX included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, upgradeable to a 12.3-inch display. Despite improvements in positioning, accessing icons on these screens remained problematic due to the design of the center stack cove. Alternatives like voice commands proved too specific, and the touchpad interface was frustratingly sensitive.

Nonetheless, the RX integrated several advanced technical features like USB ports, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and premium audio systems ranging from nine to 15 speakers. Although high in quality, the infotainment interface's ease of use still faced significant criticism.

The Toyota Highlander’s standard tech included a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting smartphone integration apps. This user-friendly system was backed with hard buttons for essential functions. Higher trims offered a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. Features like wireless charging pads and a combination of USB types ensured connectivity and convenience.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ as standard, encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and the Lexus Enform Safety Connect. While the RX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, it missed the highest "plus" tier due to headlight performance and garnered a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and a head-up display. Active lane functions, though sometimes overly sensitive, contributed significantly to the vehicle's safety profile.