Is a Lexus RX 350 the same as a Toyota Highlander?

No. The Lexus RX 350 and Toyota Highlander are distinct models with different styling, interiors, and brand positions, though they share some underlying Toyota technology and powertrain options.

In practical terms, the RX 350 is Lexus’s luxury crossover aimed at a premium, two-row (with a longer RX L option for additional seating) experience, while the Highlander is Toyota’s more utilitarian three-row family SUV. Both brands have offered hybrid variants, and they may use similar hybrid tech, but they are not identical vehicles in design, equipment, or pricing.

Size, seating, and interior design

These points outline how the two models differ in space and cabin feel.

• Seating and space: The Highlander emphasizes three-row practicality with seating for seven or eight, while the RX 350 is primarily a five-seat luxury crossover, with the RX L offering a less spacious—but still usable—third row.


• Interior feel: Lexus cabins emphasize premium materials, quietness, and a more upscale ambiance; Toyota interiors focus on value, durability, and straightforward practicality.


• Design language: The RX follows Lexus’s distinctive luxury SUV styling, while the Highlander adopts Toyota’s family-SUV design cues with a focus on versatility and everyday usability.

For families or buyers who need serious third-row capacity, the Highlander generally offers more usable space. For buyers prioritizing luxury touchpoints and a more driver-centric cabin, the RX 350 is typically the preferred choice.

Powertrains, performance, and efficiency

Here’s how their propulsion options compare, including hybrid choices.

• Non-hybrid engines: The RX 350 typically uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive as an option; the Highlander also offers a turbocharged engine in its standard lineup, but focuses more on versatility across trims.


• Hybrid options: Both models offer hybrid variants—Lexus’s Hybrid for the RX line and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive for the Highlander—providing improved fuel economy at the cost of some peak performance.


• Fuel economy and efficiency: Hybrid versions of both SUVs emphasize better MPGs than their non-hybrid counterparts; exact numbers vary by year, drivetrain, and market.

In everyday driving, the RX 350 leans toward a refined, premium feel with efficient hybrid options, while the Highlander prioritizes spaciousness and value with its own hybrid choices and a focus on family use.

Pricing, trims, and ownership experience

Pricing and trim structure reflect the different market positions of the two brands.

• Starting price and target buyer: The RX 350 generally starts at a higher price point, reflecting its luxury positioning, whereas the Highlander starts lower, catering to value-conscious families seeking three-row seating.


• Trims and options: Lexus offers a richer array of luxury features and design packs on the RX line, while Toyota presents practical trims with a strong emphasis on family-friendly equipment and reliability.


• Resale and ownership feel: Lexus vehicles tend to command higher resale values and a more premium ownership experience; Toyotas tend to emphasize long-term reliability and lower ownership costs.

Prices and features vary by model year and region, so prospective buyers should check current specifications and regional trims for apples-to-apples comparisons.

Bottom line: which one should you choose?

If you need three-row seating, a robust family utility vehicle, and strong value, the Toyota Highlander is the more practical choice. If you prioritize a premium, driver-focused cabin, with luxury touches and a smaller footprint, the Lexus RX 350 is the better fit. Both offer hybrid variants for efficiency, so your choice may come down to luxury versus practicality, plus the importance of brand experience and resale expectations.

Summary

In short, the Lexus RX 350 and Toyota Highlander are not the same vehicle, though they inhabit related segments and share some Toyota engineering. The RX 350 is the luxury two-row crossover with an optional third row on the RX L, while the Highlander is Toyota’s family-oriented three-row SUV. Consider seating needs, desired luxury level, and budget when deciding between them, and compare current trims, features, and fuel economy for the specific model year you’re evaluating.

What Toyota is the Lexus RX 350 based on?

The Lexus RX 350 is based on the same platform as the Toyota Highlander, though they are distinct models with differences in luxury, interior features, and design. While they share a platform, the RX is positioned as a more luxurious vehicle with a sportier feel, and the Highlander is a more practical, mainstream SUV with three rows of seating.
 
This video discusses the differences and similarities between the Lexus RX 350 and the Toyota Crown Signia: 57sPerformance LexusYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
Shared platform

• The Lexus RX 350 and Toyota Highlander share a common platform, making them related vehicles.
• This relationship is often compared, though they are not simply badge-engineered versions of each other. 

Key differences

• Luxury and design: The RX 350 is designed as a luxury SUV with more upscale interior materials and features, while the Highlander has a more subdued design. 
• Seating: The Highlander is available with three rows of seating, making it a larger and more family-oriented vehicle, whereas the RX typically has two rows. 
• Performance: While they may share similar engines, the RX 350 often has a more powerful version, and Lexus vehicles are generally tuned for a sportier driving experience. 

Is the Lexus RX 350 the same as the Toyota Highlander?

Both SUVs operate with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, but the Lexus RX 350 models provide more power and torque than any Toyota Highlander SUV. The Lexus RX 350 provides more standard rear cargo load area because it's a two-row model – the three-row Highlander seats up to eight.

Which Toyota is comparable to the Lexus RX 350?

The Toyota equivalents for the Lexus RX 350 are the Toyota Crown Signia, which shares its hybrid powertrain and upscale features, and the Toyota Highlander, which is a larger SUV with a similar size and wheelbase but a less luxurious design and more seating capacity. The Crown Signia is a better direct comparison for style and hybrid options, while the Highlander offers a similar core but is geared towards practicality with a lower price point and more cargo/passenger space. 
This video compares the Toyota Crown Signia and Lexus RX 350: 1mAutoPediaYouTube · Oct 1, 2024
Toyota Crown Signia

• Best for: Sharing the same upscale, wagon-like design and available hybrid powertrain, making it the closest in terms of luxury and styling. 
• Similarities:
  • Similar hybrid powertrain options (2.5L engine) with comparable horsepower. 
  • Stylish, Lexus-like design elements, including a sleek roofline and similar grille/tail light designs. 
  • Luxury interior features and advanced technology. 
• Differences:
  • The Crown Signia has more cargo space and is slightly more fuel-efficient. 
  • The RX 350 offers a more powerful turbocharged gasoline engine option and additional tech features. 

You can watch this video to see a comparison between the Toyota Crown Signia and Lexus RX 350: 1mPerformance LexusYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
Toyota Highlander

• Best for: Those who need more passenger and cargo space for a lower price, with similar dimensions but a more conventional design. 
• Similarities:
  • Shares a similar wheelbase and overall size, making them direct competitors in the midsize SUV segment. 
  • Both offer conventional gasoline engines, with the Highlander producing more horsepower. 
• Differences:
  • Seating: Highlander has a third row, seating up to 8 passengers, while the RX 350 seats 5. 
  • Price: The Highlander has a significantly lower starting MSRP. 
  • Features: The RX 350 includes more standard luxury and technology features. 
  • Towing: The Highlander has a higher towing capacity. 

This video compares the Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX 350: 0:48Upper James ToyotaYouTube · Jun 23, 2024

Which Lexus model is the same as the Highlander?

But luxury of course is not free and the Lexus. It's not cheap. So let's find out if this is worth the extra scratch. Or if you should just buy the Toyota. Instead height it's the same 70.1.