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 is predicated on the GA-Okay platform, and the 2 SUVs share some elements consequently. The Grand Highlander is bigger in each measurable method and will get fairly near the hefty dimension of the Toyota Sequoia. Internally, the general area within the Grand Highlander is sort of on the prime of its class, and all of that’s true for the Lexus TX as properly.

I’ve just lately pushed the Toyota Grand Highlander MAX and the Lexus TX 550h F Sport Efficiency Luxurious – each the very prime of the road by way of efficiency and facilities. On their very own, they’re snug, straightforward to dwell with, economical, and surprisingly quick – however they don’t seem to be 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 selection. It is solely a 4 hp distinction, sure, however it’s value mentioning.

Moreover, the Grand Highlander presents a non-turbo 245 hp hybrid as its entry-level choice. It is satisfactory, 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 discount on this class. Nonetheless, that powertrain is not provided within the Lexus, and I am positive it has to do with its mellow efficiency.

Here is the place the large distinction is available in: the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the Lexus TX. When 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. Slightly than keep on with the six-speed automated, 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 by way of exterior measurements. They share only a few exterior elements, which makes them look very totally different side-by-side. This can be a good factor, as each fashions impart a distinct persona.

The Lexus TX appears to be like rather a lot like an LX, with a touch of RX in its design, however with out the large grill. Alternatively, the new-ish front-end design on the Grand Highlander appears to be like a lot like a bigger model of the Toyota RAV4. They do have an identical profile, however the large 22-inch wheels on the Lexus shortly set it aside. The Lexus TX can also 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 likely look like a no brainer, however it’s stunning how totally different they honestly really feel inside. Not that there is something fallacious with the Grand Highlander’s inside, which is spacious and comfy, 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 practically as snug throughout the board. One subject I had with each automobiles needed to do with the second-row folding mechanism. They had been each a problem for my passengers, and must be rather a lot 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 non-obligatory. 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.

Here is the place issues get bizarre. The Lexus TX 550h F Sport is supplied with the aforementioned CVT. As such, and regardless of the quieter inside, when you go for this premium powertrain, it may be noisier in site visitors as a result of engine’s droning. All the pieces else is properly remoted, however that drone (which is regular for CVT-equipped automobiles) 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 gentle, there isn’t any connection to the highway, and it would not like being hurried round corners. Nonetheless, in regular site visitors, the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX is a pleasure to drive.

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

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

Closing 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 truly aggressive with many luxurious manufacturers. The highest-of-the-line Toyota Grand Highlander MAX Platinum is available in at $58,475—principally $20,000 much less than its Lexus counterpart.

Pretty much as good because the Lexus TX 550h F Sport is, I actually do not suppose it warrants the additional $20,000 over the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX, particularly as a each day driver. Then once more, the latter’s appears to be like 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 exhausting for me to disregard the greatness of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX.