2025 Lexus RX vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Lexus starting at $49,125 compared to the Toyota's $40,860—a difference of $8,265. Performance metrics are closely matched; the RX edges out the Grand Highlander in power, delivering 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque against the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is nearly identical, with the RX achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG combined, though the Lexus requires premium unleaded fuel while the Toyota uses regular. The Grand Highlander offers substantial size advantages, boasting 70.1 inches in height versus the RX's 67.3 inches, and notably, a larger overall length at 201.4 inches compared to 192.5 inches. Conversely, the RX provides superior cargo volume, measuring 29.6 cubic feet versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet in the base configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its marginally better fuel economy rating of 25 combined MPG versus 24 MPG for the Grand Highlander.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is superior for families due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions, including being 2.8 inches taller and 8.9 inches longer.
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX appeals slightly more to enthusiasts by producing a higher peak output of 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers substantially better value, priced $8,265 lower than the Lexus RX for a comparable segment offering.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- Your priority is a lower MSRP premium for the badge prestige, despite the $49,125 starting price.
- You prefer the marginally greater efficiency of 25 combined MPG.
- You value premium interior cargo management over maximum overall volume (29.6 cu ft vs 20.6 cu ft).
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximizing cabin space is critical, evidenced by its 70.1-inch height and 201.4-inch length.
- You wish to save $8,265 on the initial purchase price and utilize regular unleaded fuel.
- You require a 265 hp/310 lb-ft engine that still operates efficiently with a 24 MPG combined rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus RX | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.5" | 201.4" |
| Width | 75.6" | 78.3" |
| Height | 67.3" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 116.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 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 automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.6/516.2 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.7 in. | 56.5 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.9 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
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 RX and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the primary difference in fuel requirement between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus RX requires premium unleaded fuel (recommended), while the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel. This impacts long-term operating costs.
How much more interior space does the Grand Highlander offer over the RX?
Despite the Grand Highlander being significantly larger externally (201.4 inches long), the provided cargo specification shows the RX with 29.6 cu ft versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cu ft, indicating a potential difference in how the capacities are measured or presented.
Which vehicle provides a more potent powertrain?
The Lexus RX holds a slight edge in performance metrics, outputting 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Grand Highlander's 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
What is the MSRP discrepancy impacting the value proposition?
The 2025 Lexus RX commands a starting price of $49,125, which is $8,265 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starting at $40,860.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the two FWD models?
Both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus RX specifies an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Grand Highlander lists an 8-speed automatic.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length and 70.1 inches in height, significantly exceeding the Lexus RX's dimensions of 192.5 inches in length and 67.3 inches in height.
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