2025 Lexus RX vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$49,125 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2025 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Highlander starting $8,805 lower at $40,320 compared to the RX's $49,125. Performance metrics are closely matched; the RX yields a minor 10 hp advantage (275 hp vs. 265 hp) and 7 lb-ft more torque (317 lb-ft vs. 310 lb-ft) over the Highlander. Both vehicles share an identical 25 MPG combined fuel economy rating, though the RX mandates premium fuel while the Highlander accepts regular unleaded. Dimensionally, the Highlander is marginally larger, measuring 2.4 inches longer and 0.8 inches taller, but the Lexus offers substantially more cargo space at 29.6 cubic feet versus the Highlander's 16 cubic feet. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD configuration in these base comparisons.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander wins for commuters due to its significantly lower entry MSRP of $40,320, offering better everyday cost savings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX provides 13.6 cubic feet more maximum cargo capacity (29.6 cu ft vs. 16 cu ft), benefiting families needing more gear space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX appeals more to driving enthusiasts by producing 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque compared to the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander presents superior base value by achieving the same 25 MPG combined rating as the RX but at a $8,805 lower initial cost and using regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize maximum cargo volume, as the RX offers 29.6 cu ft versus the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
You prefer the slight performance edge provided by the RX’s 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Brand prestige and luxury refinement are more important than the $8,805 base price differential.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Budget is a primary constraint, as the Highlander saves $8,805 on the initial purchase price.
You wish to save annually on fuel expenses by running on regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium.
You require a slightly longer vehicle (194.9 inches vs. 192.5 inches) or a higher seating position (68.1 inches height vs. 67.3 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus RX	Toyota Highlander
Length	192.5"	194.9"
Width	75.6"	76.0"
Height	67.3"	68.1"
Wheelbase	112.2"	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	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	391.6/516.2 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	17.9 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	8.0 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.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	56.7 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	—
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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.7 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	✓	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted 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 Highlander.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2025 Toyota Highlander?

Both vehicles are rated identically at 25 MPG combined for the FWD variants listed. However, a notable difference is the fuel requirement: the Highlander accepts regular unleaded, while the RX recommends premium unleaded, impacting long-term running costs.

Is the price difference of $8,805 justified by power output?

Not entirely on raw numbers; the Lexus RX costs $8,805 more but only offers a 10 hp (275 hp vs 265 hp) and 7 lb-ft (317 lb-ft vs 310 lb-ft) advantage. The price accounts for Lexus branding and likely interior material upgrades not detailed in these core specs.

Which crossover offers better utility for hauling luggage?

The 2025 Lexus RX is significantly better equipped for cargo hauling, boasting 29.6 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Toyota Highlander trails substantially with only 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Are there differences in physical size that affect maneuverability?

The dimensions are very similar, with both being approximately 192-194 inches long and around 75-76 inches wide. The Highlander is negligibly wider (76.0 in vs 75.6 in), but both are standard FWD crossover sizes.

Do either of these vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Based on the provided specifications for the base models, both the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2025 Toyota Highlander are listed with a Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration.

How do the transmissions and drivetrain specs compare?

Both the RX and the Highlander utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with FWD in these comparisons. This suggests similar intended on-road driving characteristics based on the transmission pairing.