2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$49,125 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Toyota Highlander is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Highlander starting at $45,270 versus the Lexus's $49,125, representing a $3,855 premium for the RX. Performance specifications are closely matched; the RX delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. Fuel economy is marginally better in the Lexus, achieving 25 MPG combined compared to the Highlander's 24 MPG combined, though the RX requires premium unleaded fuel while the Highlander accepts regular. Dimensionally, the Highlander is slightly larger overall (194.9 inches long vs. 192.5 inches) but suffers a significant penalty in utility, offering only 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the RX's superior 29.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the base Highlander provides All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base RX is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX achieves a slightly better 25 MPG combined rating and offers a quieter ownership experience typically associated with the luxury brand.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus RX

The 2025 Lexus RX provides substantially more cargo space at 29.6 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft, which is crucial for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus RX

The Lexus RX offers a marginal advantage in power output, generating 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque versus the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has a lower entry price of $45,270 and includes standard AWD, offering superior specification for a $3,855 lower starting cost.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You prioritize maximum utility, as the RX offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
You prefer the marginally better combined fuel economy of 25 MPG.
You require the higher base horsepower rating of 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Budget is a primary constraint, as the Highlander's MSRP of $45,270 saves $3,855 over the RX.
You require standard All-Wheel Drive immediately, as the base Highlander includes it while the base RX is FWD.
You wish to use less expensive fuel, as the Highlander accepts regular unleaded versus the RX’s recommended premium unleaded.

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	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	2.4 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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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.	375.9/501.2 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
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	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Toyota
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	39.6 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	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

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.	58.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.9 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
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 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the specific difference in fuel requirement between the 2025 RX and 2026 Highlander?

The 2025 Lexus RX recommends premium unleaded fuel to achieve its performance metrics. Conversely, the 2026 Toyota Highlander runs efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, potentially lowering recurring operational costs.

Which crossover is physically larger between the two models?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander is slightly larger overall, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 68.1 inches in height. However, the Lexus RX is still substantial at 192.5 inches long and 67.3 inches tall.

How significant is the cargo capacity difference for buyers?

The cargo capacity gap is substantial; the Lexus RX offers 29.6 cu ft, while the Highlander provides significantly less space at 16 cu ft. This difference of 13.6 cubic feet heavily favors the Lexus for users needing maximum storage volume.

Does the base model of either vehicle offer AWD standard?

Yes, the 2026 Toyota Highlander includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment on its base configuration. The comparable 2025 Lexus RX model comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).

How close are the horsepower and torque ratings?

The horsepower ratings are very close, with the RX slightly ahead at 275 hp versus the Highlander's 265 hp. Torque parity is also narrow, with the RX offering 317 lb-ft against the Highlander's 310 lb-ft.