2025 Lexus NX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the 62 horsepower advantage held by the Highlander (265 hp vs. 203 hp). This power differential is supported by the Highlander’s substantially higher torque output of 310 lb-ft compared to the NX’s 184 lb-ft. Conversely, the Lexus NX demonstrates superior fuel economy, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating, outpacing the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage. Financially, the NX carries an MSRP of $40,965, presenting a $4,305 lower entry price than the Highlander's $45,270. Although the Highlander is longer at 194.9 inches versus the NX's 183.5 inches, the Lexus offers better utility metrics with 22.7 cu ft of cargo space, significantly exceeding the Highlander's 16 cu ft minimum space. These metrics frame the decision between efficiency/compactness and raw power/size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Highlander's 24 MPG.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers greater size utility with its 194.9-inch length and standard All-Wheel Drive, despite having less minimum cargo space.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander provides a clear performance advantage with 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's 203 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2025 Lexus NX
The 2025 Lexus NX provides better overall financial value, starting $4,305 lower in MSRP while delivering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Fuel economy is the primary concern, as the NX delivers 28 MPG combined versus the Highlander’s 24 MPG.
- A lower initial investment is desired, with an MSRP of $40,965 compared to $45,270 for the competition.
- A more maneuverable vehicle is needed, indicated by the NX's shorter 183.5-inch overall length.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximum straight-line performance is required, evidenced by the Highlander’s 265 horsepower output.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a necessity, as it comes standard on the Highlander versus being FWD on the base NX.
- Superior long-distance cruising power is sought, demonstrated by the Highlander's 310 lb-ft of torque.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus NX | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 194.9" |
| Width | 73.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 66.1" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 377.0/478.5 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 10 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.3 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.1 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.0 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.5 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Size | 235/60R18 | P235/65R V |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus NX and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the standard 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The most notable mechanical difference is the power output; the Highlander generates 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the NX’s 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Highlander features standard All-Wheel Drive.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus NX offers a larger minimum cargo area at 22.7 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota Highlander offers only 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity in this comparison configuration.
Is the higher MSRP of the 2026 Highlander justified by its fuel efficiency?
No, the Highlander is less efficient, rated at 24 MPG combined, whereas the NX achieves 28 MPG combined. The $4,305 price premium for the Highlander does not align with better fuel economy or greater cargo space.
Which vehicle utilizes regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Lexus NX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander specify regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for their respective powertrains.
Which vehicle is physically larger, and how does this affect specifications?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width. This greater exterior dimension does not translate to better minimum cargo capacity than the smaller 183.5-inch Lexus NX.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different in these two models?
No, both vehicles utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This suggests a similar qualitative experience when shifting gears, although power delivery will vary based on engine characteristics.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool