Lexus TX vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX – Toyota in a Tuxedo?

Two sizable Japanese SUVs duke it out

Just like the common Highlander, the Toyota Grand Highlander relies on the GA-Okay platform, and the 2 SUVs share some parts in consequence. The Grand Highlander is bigger in each measurable means and will get fairly near the hefty dimension of the Toyota Sequoia. Internally, the general house within the Grand Highlander is sort of on the high of its class, and all of that’s true for the Lexus TX as nicely.

I’ve lately pushed the Toyota Grand Highlander MAX and the Lexus TX 550h F Sport Efficiency Luxurious – each the very high of the road when it comes to efficiency and facilities. On their very own, they’re snug, simple to reside with, economical, and surprisingly quick – however they are not good. After driving each, I started to marvel if the premium Lexus calls for for the TX over the Grand Highlander had been value it, which impressed this comparability.

The powertrains are NOT the identical

Proper off the bat, there may be one large distinction between the TX and Grand Highlander – efficiency. The Lexus TX’s base powertrains are barely extra highly effective than the Grand Highlander’s. The TX500h F Sport Efficiency makes use of a hybrid powertrain that has a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and two electrical motors that mix for 366 horsepower. You get 362-hp from the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max powertrain, which is the mannequin’s top-of-the-line alternative. It is solely a 4 hp distinction, sure, nevertheless it’s value mentioning.

Moreover, the Grand Highlander provides a non-turbo 245 hp hybrid as its entry-level possibility. It is enough, however not sporty by any measure. With a base MSRP of $44,210, and contemplating the truth that even the bottom mannequin Grand Highlander Hybrid comes with all-wheel drive (AWD), it is a cut price on this class. Nonetheless, that powertrain is not provided within the Lexus, and I am positive it has to do with its mellow efficiency.

This is the place the massive distinction is available in: the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the Lexus TX. In the event you get the TX 550h F Sport, you get a 3.5-liter V6 paired with two electrical motors. Paired with an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, one motor makes 75 kW (101 hp) and the opposite 133 kW (179 hp). Mixed, they crank out 404 hp, and it has an all-electric vary of 33 miles. Moderately than keep on with the six-speed computerized, like of their different choices, this TX has a constantly variable transmission (CVT), which I will circle again to quickly.

Exterior variations are pronounced

Each the Lexus TX and Toyota Grand Highlander are just about the identical when it comes to exterior measurements. They share only a few exterior parts, which makes them look very completely different side-by-side. It is a good factor, as each fashions impart a special persona.

The Lexus TX appears lots like an LX, with a touch of RX in its design, however with out the huge grill. However, the new-ish front-end design on the Grand Highlander appears a lot like a bigger model of the Toyota RAV4. They do have an analogous profile, however the huge 22-inch wheels on the Lexus shortly set it aside. The Lexus TX can be about 2 inches longer, given its bigger bumpers. To me, the one angle that makes it apparent that these two are associated comes from the rear quarter view.

The Lexus TX’s inside is on one other degree

This will seem to be a no brainer, nevertheless it’s stunning how completely different they honestly really feel inside. Not that there is something mistaken with the Grand Highlander’s inside, which is spacious and cozy, however the Lexus inside is leaps above. The craftsmanship, general really feel, and visible assertion the TX’s inside makes is spectacular.

Shock, shock – the Lexus TX has extra snug seating. Nonetheless, I felt that the seats within the Grand Highlander had been almost as snug throughout the board. One challenge I had with each autos needed to do with the second-row folding mechanism. They had been each a problem for my passengers, and must be lots simpler to make use of like these from different rivals.

The 2025 Lexus TX Hybrid options a typical 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment show together with a 12.3-inch digital gauge show. A head-up show is elective. The Grand Highlander has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, whereas XLEs have a 7.0-inch digital show. Nonetheless, the Restricted and Platinum fashions characteristic a 12.3-inch gauge show.

This is the place issues get bizarre. The Lexus TX 550h F Sport is provided with the aforementioned CVT. As such, and regardless of the quieter inside, in the event you go for this premium powertrain, it may be noisier in visitors because of the engine’s droning. All the pieces else is nicely remoted, however that drone (which is regular for CVT-equipped autos) is noticeable.

Driving the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX vs the Lexus TX 550h F Sport

I actually consider that the Grand Highlander, with its 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain, makes this folks provider excellent. It launches with authority and has gobs of energy for passing. It tows as much as 5,000 lbs and will get 27 mpg mixed. Granted, the steering really feel is fairly mild, there isn’t any connection to the street, and it would not like being hurried round corners. Nonetheless, in regular visitors, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is a pleasure to drive.

The Lexus TX 550h F Sport ups the entire Highlander’s advantages, after which some. For one factor, it will get an estimated 29 mpg mixed, however that is earlier than you take into consideration that it might run day by day as an EV, therefore its 76-mile MPG-e score. Whereas it can’t use a DC quick charger, it might high off utilizing a degree II charger in about three hours and may tow as much as 5,000 lbs.

Each autos begin off with MacPherson strut entrance suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup, however their tuning is sort of completely different, and the Lexus TX 550h F Sport makes use of an adaptive variable suspension system as nicely. This makes for a a lot sharper and athletic trip, and one which handles corners impressively.

Ultimate ideas

Sure, there isn’t any shock right here – the Lexus TX 550h F Sport is extra highly effective, handles higher, and is far more luxurious. With costs topping $78,560, it is really aggressive with many luxurious manufacturers. The highest-of-the-line Toyota Grand Highlander MAX Platinum is available in at $58,475—mainly $20,000 much less than its Lexus counterpart.

Pretty much as good because the Lexus TX 550h F Sport is, I truthfully do not assume it warrants the additional $20,000 over the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, particularly as a day by day driver. Then once more, the latter’s appears and general persona fall in need of its ritzier cousin by a large margin. With that being stated, it is a robust name. They’re each wonderful, however with the financial savings potential of the Toyota, it is onerous for me to disregard the greatness of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX.