2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The most significant distinction between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid (Car 1) and the 2026 Lexus NX (Car 2) is fuel economy, with the Lexus achieving 40 combined MPG compared to the Toyota's 36 combined MPG. This efficiency gap is notable, though the Toyota requires regular unleaded fuel versus the Lexus's premium recommendation. Dimensionally, the Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches long versus the NX's 183.5 inches, which also affects passenger and cargo utility. Horsepower is nearly tied, with Car 1 offering 245 hp to Car 2's 240 hp. Despite the size difference, the Lexus boasts slightly more standard cargo capacity at 22.7 cu ft versus the Toyota's 20.6 cu ft, though the Toyota has a significant size advantage for potential third-row utility. Pricing is competitive, with the Lexus starting at $44,175 and the Toyota at $44,210, marking an MSRP difference of only $35.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX wins for commuters due to its superior 40 combined MPG rating compared to the Toyota's 36 MPG.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is the choice for families based on its larger exterior dimensions (201.4 inches in length) suggesting superior interior space.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid has a marginal 5 hp advantage (245 hp vs 240 hp) and features standard AWD, which is preferred by performance-oriented drivers.
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX provides a higher MPG rating (40 vs 36) for a slightly lower MSRP ($44,175 vs $44,210), indicating better efficiency value.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for various road conditions.
- You prioritize maximizing overall vehicle size, indicated by the 201.4-inch length.
- You wish to avoid premium fuel, as the Grand Highlander accepts regular unleaded.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, evidenced by the 40 combined MPG rating.
- You need the maximum stated cargo capacity, which is 22.7 cu ft versus 20.6 cu ft.
- You prefer a slightly lower initial cost, with an MSRP of $44,175.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 183.5" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 72.1" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 245 hp @ 6000 rpm | 240 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 37/34 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 636.4/584.8 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 10 |
| 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 | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | — |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid and 2026 Lexus NX.
Is the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid or the Lexus NX more fuel-efficient?
The 2026 Lexus NX is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving 40 combined MPG (42 city/38 highway). The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid achieves 36 combined MPG (37 city/34 highway).
How do the physical sizes of these two crossovers compare?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid is considerably larger, measuring 201.4 inches in length and 72.1 inches in height. The 2026 Lexus NX is a more compact vehicle at 183.5 inches long and 66.1 inches tall.
Which vehicle offers more immediate cargo space?
Despite its larger exterior footprint, the 2026 Lexus NX has a slightly larger stated cargo capacity of 22.7 cu ft, compared to the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid’s 20.6 cu ft.
What is the difference in engine power output?
The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid outputs 245 horsepower, giving it a minor edge over the 2026 Lexus NX, which is rated at 240 horsepower.
Do these vehicles require the same type of gasoline?
No, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid operates on regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Lexus NX recommends premium unleaded fuel for its operation.
Which crossover comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid specifies an all-wheel drive configuration. The 2026 Lexus NX utilizes a front-wheel drive configuration for the listed specifications.
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