2023 Lexus RX vs 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined and modern exterior, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, yet maintaining the same overall length. Its design featured a reduced rear overhang, softer lines, and a floating roof effect, which contributed to a smaller appearance despite increased cargo space. The front showcased a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and elevated hood. The rear added a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX remained recognizable as a Lexus while offering a fresh aesthetic distinct from the previous model and the smaller NX.

Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. The quality was high, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather or genuine leather, and trims of textured black plastic, real wood, and aluminum. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with a range of powertrains including hybrid options. Pricing was expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was a true crossover built on the TNGA-K platform, sharing its underpinnings with several Toyota models. It was not a body-on-frame vehicle, limiting its towing capacity to 5,000 pounds. The Grand Highlander was notably large, with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase, offering a spacious interior. Its design was more conservative and blockier than the smaller Highlander, resembling rugged vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride. The front featured a trapezoidal grille and narrow headlights, echoing the 4Runner's design.

Available in XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Grand Highlander offered Softex synthetic leather or real leather upholstery, with Portobello upholstery available on the Platinum trim. Standard features included a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a large center console. The second row offered sunshades and a removable console, with easy access to the third row. The Grand Highlander excelled as a comfortable road-trip vehicle, with high-quality materials and a reputation for reliability.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and all-season tires, with the F Sport Handling offering upgraded brakes. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expected at 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 265 horsepower, a 2.5-liter hybrid with 245 combined horsepower, and a Hybrid Max powertrain with 362 combined horsepower. The Hybrid Max provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The Grand Highlander was primarily tested with the standard turbo engine, which accounted for 85% of sales. It was less maneuverable than the smaller Highlander, with some body roll and numb steering feel. However, the brakes were solid, and acceleration was adequate. Three drive modes were available, with additional modes for AWD models.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package providing sport seat bolsters for better support. The RX 350 Luxury featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The F Sport Handling model had simulated leather seats and a sportier cabin. Both models provided good rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander was larger than its rivals, with a length of 201.4 inches and a 116.1-inch wheelbase. It offered 97.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with 57.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 20.6 cubic feet with all seats up. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with good visibility and ample room in all rows. A six-foot adult could comfortably sit in the third row.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could be set up, and streaming services were available. The Mark Levinson sound system offered excellent audio quality. The RX also offered a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering an intelligent assistant, cloud-based navigation, and live agent assistance through a subscription. Standard features included dual-device Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The JBL stereo was standard on higher trims, providing good sound quality. Streaming audio integration was available, with subscription options for additional services.

The 2023 Lexus RX included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. New features included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. The system was generally impressive, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction technology and adaptive cruise control visibility issues with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander had not been crash-tested, but it included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard. This suite offered automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, road-sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was also standard, with four following-distance settings.