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-Ok platform, and the 2 SUVs share some parts consequently. The Grand Highlander is bigger in each measurable approach and will get fairly near the hefty dimension of the Toyota Sequoia. Internally, the general house within the Grand Highlander is almost on the high of its class, and all of that’s true for the Lexus TX as nicely.

I’ve not too long ago pushed the Toyota Grand Highlander MAX and the Lexus TX 550h F Sport Efficiency Luxurious – each the very high of the road by way of efficiency and facilities. On their very own, they’re snug, simple to stay with, economical, and surprisingly quick – however they are not excellent. 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, but it surely’s value mentioning.

Moreover, the Grand Highlander affords a non-turbo 245 hp hybrid as its entry-level possibility. 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 certain it has to do with its mellow efficiency.

This 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. Quite than follow the six-speed computerized, like of their different choices, this TX has a constantly variable transmission (CVT), which I am going to 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 parts, which makes them look very totally different side-by-side. This can be a good factor, as each fashions impart a special persona.

The Lexus TX appears so much like an LX, with a touch of RX in its design, however with out the large 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 the same profile, however the large 22-inch wheels on the Lexus rapidly 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 stage

This will appear to be a no brainer, but it surely’s shocking how totally different they really 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 practically as snug throughout the board. One difficulty I had with each automobiles needed to do with the second-row folding mechanism. They had been each a problem for my passengers, and ought to be so much simpler to make use of like these from different opponents.

The 2025 Lexus TX Hybrid options a regular 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. Nevertheless, 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 supplied with the aforementioned CVT. As such, and regardless of the quieter inside, in case you go for this premium powertrain, it may be noisier in visitors because of the engine’s droning. The whole lot else is nicely 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 really consider that the Grand Highlander, with its 362-hp Hybrid Max powertrain, makes this folks service 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 is not any connection to the highway, 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 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 take note of that it might probably run every day as an EV, therefore its 76-mile MPG-e score. Whereas it can not use a DC quick charger, it might probably high off utilizing a stage II charger in about three hours and may 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 nicely. This makes for a a lot sharper and athletic trip, and one which handles corners impressively.

Last ideas

Sure, there is not any shock right here – the Lexus TX 550h F Sport is extra highly effective, handles higher, and is way 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—principally $20,000 much less than its Lexus counterpart.

Nearly 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 every day driver. Then once more, the latter’s appears and general persona fall wanting its ritzier cousin by a large margin. With that being stated, it is a robust name. They’re each glorious, however with the financial savings potential of the Toyota, it is laborious for me to disregard the greatness of the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX.