Close Comparing The 2025 Lexus RX 350 Vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander SUVs
Lexus RX 350 vs. Toyota Highlander at a Glance
- The Lexus RX 350 has a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 275 horsepower. The Toyota Highlander, on the other hand, has a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that offers slightly less muscle, with up to 265 horsepower.
- The Toyota Highlander has a larger cabin with three rows of seating that accommodates up to eight passengers and has up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Lexus RX 350 has a far more luxurious two-row interior with premium materials and amenities. It features up to 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is nearly double the 16 cubic feet behind the third row of seats in the Highlander.
- The Lexus RX 350 includes the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which has technologies like All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support. The Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which offers similar features. However, the Lexus RX 350 provides additional capabilities.
- The Toyota Highlander is larger at 2.4 inches longer, 0.4 inches wider, and 1.8 inches taller than the Lexus RX 350. The Lexus SUV is easier to maneuver. It also has a sleek design with elements like a floating roofline, which emphasizes its luxury status.
If you've been looking for a Lexus RX 350 vs. Toyota Highlander review to help you choose your next midsize SUV, look no further. While the Lexus RX is a sleek and luxurious vehicle, it isn't the only option on the market. That's why we're looking at the Toyota Highlander – a larger yet less luxurious SUV.
Both the Lexus RX and the Toyota Highlander have distinct strengths. While they may not be exactly alike, they often draw comparisons due to their blend of comfort and practicality. Take a look at the results of our Lexus RX 350 vs. Toyota Highlander comparison, and you'll soon understand why the Lexus model delivers a bit more in terms of specs, features, and performance capabilities.
Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander Specs
| Vehicle Details | 2025 Lexus RX 350 FWD | 2025 Toyota Highlander LE |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Specs | ||
| Engine Specs | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cyl | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 275 | 265 |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Curb Weight | 4,155 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| MPG Overview | ||
| EPA-Estimated City MPG | 221 | 222 |
| EPA-Estimated Hwy MPG | 291 | 292 |
| EPA-Estimated Comb MPG | 251 | 252 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Max Cargo Space | ||
| Total (Cu Ft) | 46.2 | 84.3 |
| Interior Room | ||
| Front Headroom | 39.5 in | 41.2 in |
| Front Legroom | 41.1 in | 42.0 in |
| Second-Row Headroom | 38.6 in | 39.4 in |
| Second-Row Legroom | 37.4 in | 38.7 in |
| Front Hip Room | 56.7 in | 57.2 in |
| Second-Row Hip Room | 56.0 in | 57.0 in |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in | 59.0 in |
| Second-Row Shoulder Room | 56.5 in | 58.7 in |
Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander Cargo Space and Comfort
The Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander have notable differences regarding cargo space, comfort, and features. While the Highlander deserves credit for its spacious cabin and overall practicality – especially for those looking for a three-row SUV – the Lexus RX has serious advantages regarding interior amenities.
From the outside, the two SUVs appear pretty different. The Toyota Highlander is larger – 2.4 inches longer, 0.4 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than the Lexus RX 350. Aside from size, there are some significant styling differences. The RX uses elements like a floating roofline, black and chrome accents, and snappy color options to elevate its exterior appearance. Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander sticks to more conventional styling.
The Highlander SUV's larger exterior translates into more interior space than the Lexus RX. While the Toyota has three rows of seats, the Lexus RX has just two. However, for those who don't wish to seat eight occupants, Lexus designers have imbued this midsize SUV with far more luxurious cabin appointments. Elements like contrasting leather upholstery and wood or aluminum trim pieces give every 2025 Lexus RX model an upscale interior feel.
While the Highlander may have more total capacity, the new RX 350 wins handily when it comes to cargo space behind the rear seat. Its 29.6 cubic feet of rear cargo space is nearly double the Highlander SUV's 16 cubic feet. The Highlander sacrifices a lot of cargo capacity for that extra row of seating.
To learn more about the cabin of the Lexus model, check out our deep-dive into the Lexus RX 350 interior.
Lexus RX 350 vs. Toyota Highlander Gas Mileage and Performance
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 has a performance advantage over the Highlander. Its base 2.4-liter turbocharged engine makes a potent 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Highlander engine tops out at 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Both the Lexus RX and the Toyota Highlander offer hybrid powertrain options on select trims. The Highlander hybrid setup achieves an EPA-estimated 35 MPG (Combined),2 while in the Lexus RX, the hybrid system earns an EPA-estimated 36 MPG (Combined).3
The Lexus RX gets major performance advantages from two powertrains unavailable in the Highlander. The RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD offers a punched-up version of the hybrid powertrain, with 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the RX 450h+ Luxury has a plug-in hybrid system with 83 MPGe (Combined)4 and an estimated 37 miles of pure electric driving range.5
Lexus RX 350 vs. Toyota Highlander Safety Features
Safety is a major consideration for modern SUVs, and both the Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander are designed with it in mind. In fact, the two SUVs have similar safety technology packages.
Both the Highlander and RX have comprehensive safety suites, including Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Lane Departure Warning. However, the Lexus RX comes with a couple of additional capabilities. It adds Curve Speed Management to its Radar Cruise Control System and Intersection Support to its Pre-Collision System.
Lexus RX 350 and Toyota Highlander Trim Options
The Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander are similar in their trim offerings. The 2025 Lexus RX offers no fewer than 14 gas and hybrid configurations, each with a mix of attributes and price points. This broad menu means the RX can serve a variety of driver tastes and preferences.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Highlander offers 10 gas and electrified options. From the practicality of the Highlander LE to the comfort and technology of the Highlander Hybrid Platinum, the SUV has many choices to consider.
Lexus RX Trim Levels
- RX 350
- RX 350 Premium
- RX 350 Premium+
- RX 350 Luxury
- RX 350 F SPORT Design
- RX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD
Lexus RX Hybrid Variants
- RX 350h AWD
- RX 350h Premium AWD
- RX 350h Premium+ AWD
- RX 350h Luxury AWD
- RX 450h+ Luxury AWD
- RX 350h F SPORT Design AWD
- RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD
- RX 500h Black Line Special Edition
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
- Highlander LE
- Highlander XLE
- Highlander XSE
- Highlander Limited
- Highlander Platinum
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Variants
- Highlander Hybrid XLE
- Highlander Hybrid XLE Nightshade
- Highlander Hybrid Limited
- Highlander Hybrid Limited 25th Edition
- Highlander Hybrid Platinum
Test-Drive the 2025 Lexus RX
Come visit us at Arrowhead Lexus to see how you can upgrade easily with one of our Lexus RX 350 lease deals. Our team can give you a Lexus RX vs. Toyota Highlander price comparison and a full RX tour. If you're ready to get behind the wheel, we welcome you to take the 2025 RX for a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus RX 350 AWD?
The base Lexus RX comes with standard front-wheel drive but it, along with the rest of the lineup, can be equipped with AWD with a slight price increase. Certain editions, like the RX 350h Luxury, RX 450h+ Luxury, and RX 500h F SPORT Performance, all come with standard all-wheel drive for enhanced handling and grip in tricky conditions.
What safety features does the Lexus RX 350 offer?
The new Lexus RX 350 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 – an innovative collection of active technologies to help drivers stay safe and confident.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
- Auto High Beams
Is the Lexus RX 350 a hybrid?
The new Lexus RX offers hybrid powertrain options. While its base engine is a gasoline-powered, turbocharged four-cylinder, trims like the RX 350h and RX 500h F SPORT Performance have conventional hybrid powertrains. Plug-in hybrid variants like the RX 450h+ Luxury are also on tap, with 37 miles of electric-only driving range.5 This broad spectrum helps the new RX serve different types of automotive needs.
Does the Lexus RX 350 require premium gas?
The new Lexus RX 350 requires premium fuel in its new generation. While the previous-generation crossover only needed regular gasoline, the new model's turbocharged engine options require a higher octane rating for optimal performance. Using 87 octane can compromise the short-term performance and long-term reliability of the RX model. According to the Lexus brand, using 91-octane fuel with the new RX is best.
What engine does the Lexus RX 350 have?
The 2025 Lexus RX 350 uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, as its standard powertrain. You also get a choice of other engines, including two hybrid variants for additional fuel efficiency and a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can operate purely on electric energy if the need arises.
Additional Lexus Resources
1EPA-estimated 22 city/ 29 hwy/ 25 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3EPA-estimated 37 city/ 34 hwy/ 36 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus RX 350h. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4EPA-estimated 83 MPGe rating for 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury. MPGe is the EPA equivalent of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric operation. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5EPA-estimated 37 comb all-electric driving range rating on a full charge. For comparison purposes only. Mileage will vary for many reasons, including vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. Battery capacity also decreases with time and use which will reduce range. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
