Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. Minimal changes were made to its appearance for 2023, with the addition of a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was considered over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, despite being quiet on the road, was criticized for its lack of quality, with controls and materials feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The TX had a more upscale appearance, with our test model featuring Luxury trim and 22-inch wheels that enhanced its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The test vehicle was a TX 350 with FWD and Luxury trim, priced at $67,869. The interior featured premium materials and a Peppercorn color scheme, though it was noted to be quite dark. Overall, the TX's interior was deemed luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The SUV weighed 4,430 pounds in Platinum trim, and its electric motors assisted with acceleration and low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing the claimed 3,500 pounds seemed impractical. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models featuring a Trail mode. The focus was on fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. Despite an EPA rating of 35 mpg, the test vehicle averaged 28.7 mpg. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of eight seconds for the FWD model, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD was available for an additional $1,600, offering slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance of comfort and road feel, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal in the test vehicle felt too soft.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked sufficient thigh support. The second-row seats were comfortable, with sunshades for added comfort. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with the second row down. Storage areas were unlined, and the center armrest storage design was criticized for its complexity.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium materials, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available as an option. The third-row seat was more accommodating for adults, with a stadium-style cushion and large windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to make room for third-row passengers compromised second-row comfort. The TX offered numerous storage options, though many lacked lining. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured updated technology, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like a digital assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which provided decent sound quality. Overall, the infotainment system was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. However, the package replaced marked steering wheel controls with unmarked ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was problematic with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. The test vehicle also had a 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system, offering impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of LSS+ 3.0, offering braking and steering assistance. The TX included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Optional features included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 generally performed well, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.