2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the luxury feel of the 2025 Lexus RX and the sheer size of the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander presents a classic luxury versus practicality dilemma. The Lexus commands a premium starting MSRP of $49,125 compared to the Toyota's $41,360, a difference of $7,765. While the RX offers slightly better efficiency at 25 MPG combined versus the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG, the Grand Highlander compensates with sheer space, boasting a taller height of 70.1 inches and greater overall length at 201.4 inches, making the RX's 192.5-inch frame feel smaller. Power figures are close, with the Lexus packing 275 hp against the Toyota's 265 hp, translating to marginal performance differences. However, the Lexus recommends premium fuel, adding to long-term running costs while the Toyota sticks to regular unleaded.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX offers slightly better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG highway compared to the Grand Highlander's 28 MPG highway.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander is significantly larger, measuring 70.1 inches high and 201.4 inches long, suggesting better passenger and cabin accommodation.
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX pulls ahead slightly in power, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander offers a substantial $7,765 lower starting MSRP while providing comparable powertrain metrics.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- You prioritize a more refined driving experience indicated by the 275 hp output.
- You are willing to pay the $49,125 MSRP for the badge and slightly better fuel economy (25 MPG combined).
- You prefer the slightly narrower width (75.6 inches) for easier city parking.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximizing interior space is critical, as it is 7.1 inches taller and significantly longer than the RX.
- You want to save approximately $7,765 upfront and utilize regular unleaded fuel.
- You need the superior power delivery, as the Grand Highlander offers 310 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic.
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 | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | ✓ | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much more cargo space do I actually get with the Toyota Grand Highlander?
While the Lexus RX offers 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the data provided does not specify the Grand Highlander's cargo capacity *behind the rear seats*, only a total figure of 20.6 cu ft, which might suggest a difference in measurement methodology or fewer usable seats overall.
Is the fuel requirement difference significant between the two crossovers?
Yes, the 2025 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded fuel used by the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, impacting long-term running costs.
Which car handles slightly better based on dimensions?
The Lexus RX has a narrower width of 75.6 inches compared to the Grand Highlander's 78.3 inches, which generally contributes to a more manageable feel in tight urban environments.
Are the horsepower differences noticeable between the 275 hp Lexus and the 265 hp Toyota?
The 10 horsepower and 7 lb-ft of torque difference are minimal on paper, but the premium nature of the RX might suggest better low-end tuning, although both use 8-speed automatic transmissions.
What is the main reason to pay $7,765 more for the Lexus RX?
The primary justification for the higher MSRP of the Lexus lies in brand perception and potentially superior standard luxury features, as the power and efficiency metrics are very similar to the Toyota.
Do these vehicles offer similar maneuverability in parking lots?
The Lexus RX is notably shorter at 192.5 inches compared to the Grand Highlander's 201.4 inches, making the Lexus the easier vehicle to navigate and park.
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