Is the Lexus RX the same as the Highlander?
The Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander are not the same vehicle. The RX is Lexus’s luxury midsize crossover, while the Highlander is Toyota’s mainstream three-row SUV. They share some underlying engineering, but they target different buyers and priorities, with distinct levels of luxury, features, and seating options.
In this article, we break down how they compare across seating and space, powertrains and performance, and pricing and trim levels to help readers understand which model better fits their needs.
Overview: who they’re for and what they prioritize
These points summarize the market positioning and design priorities for the RX and Highlander.
- Target audience: RX is aimed at buyers seeking luxury, premium materials, and a refined ride; Highlander targets families needing practical space and value.
- Seating comfort and flexibility: RX typically seats five (with the RX L offering a third row); Highlander commonly offers seven or eight seats across most trims.
- Interior feel: RX emphasizes upscale materials, quiet cabin, and advanced technology; Highlander emphasizes durability, versatile cargo space, and easier upkeep.
In short, the RX prioritizes premium comfort and style, while the Highlander emphasizes practicality and family-friendly utility.
Powertrains and performance
These bullets compare how the two SUVs move, what engines they offer, and how their hybrids differ.
- Lexus RX: Gasoline models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four delivering around 275 horsepower; a high-performance RX 500h variant pairs that turbo engine with a hybrid system for more power. The RX 350 uses a conventional 2.4L turbo with an 8-speed automatic, while the RX 350h uses a 2.5L hybrid powertrain. All-wheel drive is available across many trims.
- Toyota Highlander: Gasoline models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged four for stronger performance in recent years; hybrid variants pair a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors via a Toyota hybrid system. The Highlander offers an 8-speed automatic on gas models and typically an e-CVT (electronic continuously variable transaxle) on hybrids. AWD is commonly available.
- Hybrid emphasis: RX hybrids emphasize luxury efficiency and smoothness, while Highlander hybrids emphasize practicality and fuel economy for family duty. A variant of Highlander also exists in higher-trim hybrid configurations for improved efficiency.
Overall, both lineups use advanced hybrid technology and shared Toyota engineering, but the RX leans luxury and quiet refinement, whereas the Highlander leans versatility and value for families.
Pricing, trims, and technology
These points highlight the relative cost, trim structure, and technology emphasis for each model.
- Pricing: The RX generally starts higher than the Highlander, reflecting its luxury branding, premium interiors, and feature set.
- Trims and segmentation: RX trims skew toward premium and performance-oriented variants (with higher-end technology packages); Highlander trims emphasize family features and practicality, with more standard space and cargo configurations.
- Technology and safety: Both models offer robust safety suites, but Lexus typically stacks more driver-assistance tech and premium interior details as standard or near-standard content, while Toyota emphasizes reliability, practicality, and user-friendly technology.
In short, if luxury and premium materials are priorities, the RX carries a higher price tag with elevated interior finishing; if you want a spacious, value-focused family SUV, the Highlander offers strong capability at a more accessible price point.
Related models to consider
Note about related models helps situate the RX and Highlander within Toyota and Lexus lineups. In 2023, Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, a larger three-row model designed to compete with larger family SUVs and offering more cargo space and seating capacity. It sits above the standard Highlander and is not identical to the RX, which remains Lexus’s luxury two- or three-row crossover.
- Grand Highlander: A bigger Toyota three-row SUV with extended cargo space and seating options for larger families. It sits alongside the standard Highlander and offers different powertrain choices and trim levels.
- Lexus RX variants: The RX family includes the RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h, with increasing levels of luxury and performance. The RX L adds a longer body to accommodate a third row.
These options illustrate how Toyota and Lexus cover different ends of the SUV spectrum—practical mainstream family utility versus premium luxury and performance offerings.
Bottom line
The Lexus RX and Toyota Highlander are not the same vehicle, though they share a common Toyota engineering backbone. Choose the RX if you want a more luxurious interior, advanced technologies, and a refined driving experience. Choose the Highlander if you need flexible seating, more cargo space, and a lower entry price point without sacrificing modern safety and reliability.
Summary
In short, the RX and Highlander serve different buyer needs within the same family of vehicles. The RX is the luxury choice with premium materials and a focus on comfort, while the Highlander is the practical, family-oriented SUV with strong value and versatile seating. For even more space, consider the Grand Highlander, a larger Toyota option, or explore Lexus variants if premium features and brand prestige are priorities.
