Toyota Highlander vs Lexus TX

The 2022 Toyota Highlander presented a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window that gave it a compact appearance despite its spacious interior. Inside, the Highlander offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions, making it ideal for families. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, unique styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims, each offering a range of features from basic amenities in the L trim to luxurious options in the Platinum trim, such as adaptive headlights and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2026 Lexus TX, on the other hand, was available in various trims depending on the powertrain, including the TX 350, 500h hybrid, and 550h+ plug-in hybrid. The 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and striking Matador Red Mica paint. The exterior design retained the large spindle grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, while the interior offered a mix of luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. However, the material quality was not up to par with other luxury vehicles, and the redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity. The TX provided a spacious third row and ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for larger families.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Highlander offered a smooth ride with good handling, especially in the XSE trim with its sport-tuned suspension. It could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims. The drive-mode button allowed drivers to switch between Sport, Normal, and Eco modes, while the AWD system offered Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes for various terrains.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, making it versatile for different driving conditions. The TX provided a quiet and smooth ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps well. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. The TX 550h+ was ideal for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. With all seats in use, it provided 16 cubic feet of space behind the third row. The interior was designed for convenience, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage compartments, and cupholders throughout. The XSE trim featured second-row captain’s chairs, providing easy access to the third row, which was more suitable for children or short trips for adults.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats, but the interior materials were not as high-quality as expected. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. The second-row captain’s chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, though folding them flat was a bit cumbersome. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The available kick sensor in the liftgate added convenience for accessing the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy navigation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system were available as options.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons were multifunctional but confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though they occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered advanced features like a bird’s-eye view camera and an available Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged, and the second row had an available 120-volt outlet for larger items.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view parking monitor. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist were very active, sometimes overly so on certain roads.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, with features like forward collision warning and Lane Tracing Assist. Proactive Driving Assist was a feature that applied brakes or steering when needed, though it was often turned off due to its sensitivity. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from IIHS, with some areas rated as "Good" and others as "Acceptable."