2025 Lexus UX vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a compact luxury crossover and a full-sized three-row hauler is a classic trade-off, and the 2025 Lexus UX ($36,740 MSRP) and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander ($40,860 MSRP) highlight this perfectly. If your priority is maximum efficiency for solo driving, the Lexus UX is the clear winner, offering a fantastic 43 combined MPG versus the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG—a difference of 19 MPG. However, if space and power are essential, the larger Toyota gains ground despite its higher running costs. The Grand Highlander provides significantly more muscle with 265 hp compared to the UX’s 196 hp, and it boasts a roomier footprint at 201.4 inches long versus the Lexus’s 177.0 inches. Ultimately, choosing between these two means balancing the UX's excellent fuel economy against the Grand Highlander’s superior size and capability for a relatively small $4,120 initial price gap.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus UX
The 2025 Lexus UX wins for commuters due to its outstanding 43 combined MPG, making daily trips cheaper and less frequent at the pump.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the superior family choice as it is significantly longer (201.4 inches vs 177.0 inches) and offers more overall cargo capacity (20.6 cu ft vs 17.1 cu ft).
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Grand Highlander as it delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the UX's 196 hp.
2025 Lexus UX
The Lexus UX offers exceptional running cost value, achieving 19 more combined MPG than the Grand Highlander for a lower initial MSRP.
Choose the Lexus UX if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the UX achieves 43 combined MPG.
- You prefer a smaller, easier-to-maneuver vehicle, evidenced by its 177.0-inch length.
- You want to save $4,120 upfront, as the Lexus UX has a significantly lower base MSRP.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You need true three-row capacity or need to maximize cargo space, offering 20.6 cubic feet.
- You frequently travel at highway speeds and desire stronger passing power from the 265 hp engine.
- You prefer the slightly different driving experience provided by the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus UX | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177.0" | 201.4" |
| Width | 72.4" | 78.3" |
| Height | 60.6" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.9" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 196 hp | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 45/41 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 477.0/434.6 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.6 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.0 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.3 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 33.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 52.9 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/50R18 | 255/65R18 |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Tire Type | — | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 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 UX and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
How much better is the fuel economy between the 2025 Lexus UX and the Grand Highlander?
The fuel economy difference is substantial; the Lexus UX achieves 43 combined MPG, whereas the Toyota Grand Highlander is rated at 24 combined MPG. This 19 MPG advantage means significantly lower annual fuel costs for the UX.
Is the 2025 Lexus UX too small for a small family?
While the UX is compact at 177.0 inches long with 17.1 cu ft of cargo space, it might suffice for a small family focused on city driving. However, the Grand Highlander is explicitly built for larger families, offering a larger 20.6 cu ft cargo area.
Does the Grand Highlander offer more power than the Lexus UX?
Yes, significantly more. The 2025 Grand Highlander produces 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, substantially exceeding the Lexus UX’s output of 196 hp.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Lexus UX starts at $36,740, making it $4,120 less expensive than the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, which begins at $40,860.
Are there major differences in the transmissions used?
The Lexus UX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which aids its high MPG figures. In contrast, the Grand Highlander features a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission geared towards handling its higher power output.
Which vehicle is physically larger?
The Toyota Grand Highlander is much larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length and 70.1 inches in height, making it a full-size crossover compared to the compact UX (177.0 inches long and 60.6 inches high).
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