2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Lexus NX
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander excites with rugged capability and muscle, boasting 265 hp and a dominant 201.4-inch length for ultimate space. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX grabs attention with phenomenal efficiency, achieving an astonishing 40 MPG combined, leaving the Highlander’s 24 MPG in the dust. The Grand Highlander throws down a measurable performance edge, generating 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the NX's unspecified output (estimated lower based on HP), while consuming regular unleaded fuel. However, the Lexus mandates premium fuel, narrowing the running cost gap slightly. Priced at $40,860, the Toyota undercuts the Lexus's $44,175 MSRP by $3,315. For those prioritizing sheer size and immediate power, the Grand Highlander dominates the segment benchmarks, whereas the smaller NX focuses on maximizing every drop of fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Lexus NX
The 2026 Lexus NX's exceptional 40 MPG combined efficiency provides substantially lower daily running costs for the solo commuter.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers superior size with a 201.4-inch length and higher horsepower for moving larger loads.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander delivers a significant 25 horsepower advantage and higher torque figures, promising a more spirited drive dynamic.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander offers more power and significantly greater physical size for $3,315 less than the Lexus NX.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You require the raw grunt of 265 horsepower for towing or highway merging.
- Your primary need is space, capitalizing on the massive 201.4-inch length.
- You wish to save money upfront, as the $40,860 MSRP is notably lower than the competitor.
Choose the Lexus NX if...
- Maximum fuel economy is crucial, as the NX achieves 40 MPG combined versus 24 MPG.
- You prefer tighter maneuverability thanks to the NX’s smaller 183.5-inch footprint.
- You want slightly more accessible cargo space when the third row (if present) is stowed, as the NX has 22.7 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Lexus NX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 183.5" |
| Width | 78.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.1" | 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 | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 240 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 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 | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Lexus |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 42/38 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 40 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 609.0/551.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 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. |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Lexus NX.
Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for city driving?
The 2026 Lexus NX is the clear efficiency champion, achieving 42 MPG in city driving conditions. In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander manages only 21 MPG in the city, creating a massive 21 MPG gap during stop-and-go commutes.
Is the extra cost of the Lexus NX justified by its performance?
Performance-wise, the Grand Highlander holds the lead with 265 hp, whereas the Lexus NX offers only 240 hp. Given that the Toyota also undercuts the Lexus by $3,315, the NX’s higher price point is not supported by superior power metrics.
How much larger is the Toyota Grand Highlander than the Lexus NX?
The Grand Highlander is substantially larger, measuring 201.4 inches long compared to the NX's 183.5 inches, giving the Toyota an edge in overall road presence and likely interior volume.
Do the fuel types significantly affect the long-term cost comparison?
Yes, the Grand Highlander accepts regular unleaded fuel, which is typically cheaper per gallon than the premium unleaded recommended for the Lexus NX. This price difference will amplify the financial benefit of the NX’s superior MPG figures.
Which vehicle offers better overall cargo flexibility?
While the Grand Highlander is physically bigger, the Lexus NX paradoxically boasts a slightly larger baseline cargo capacity at 22.7 cubic feet versus the Highlander’s 20.6 cubic feet, likely due to different rear seat packaging.
How does the difference in transmissions affect the drive feel?
The Grand Highlander uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, often providing more definitive gear shifts for engaged driving. The Lexus NX employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), designed primarily to maximize the benefit of its high MPG ratings.
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