2021 Toyota Highlander vs Lexus RX 350

When you’re looking for a highly capable crossover that’s sure to turn heads as you cruise the streets near Zanesville, Cambridge, Coshocton, and Newark, Ohio, streets, there’s a good chance you’re considering a Toyota Highlander or a Lexus RX 350. After all, they both have a reputation for delivering exceptional performance, technology, and safety features, but which is going to be the right choice for you?

Here at Zanesville Toyota, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way through your car-buying journey, and we know that starts with the research process. In order to make it as simple as possible for our drivers, we created this handy breakdown of the 2021 Toyota Highlander vs. Lexus RX 350. Now, let’s see how these two stack up against one another!

Engine Specs & Performance Features

To get started, we’ll head under the hood and check out what powers these vehicles.

With the Highlander, you’ll get two different engine options to choose from:

• Standard 3.5L V6 engine: 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque
• Available 2.5L Hybrid engine: 243 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque

The standard engine is paired with a sporty Direct Shift 8-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission. Meanwhile, the hybrid engine works with an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Both provide an exceptionally smooth and easy-to-handle ride.

In the Lexus RX 350, you’ll get a standard 3.5L V6 engine, which puts out the same amount of horsepower as the standard engine found in the Highlander—295. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer an available fuel-efficient hybrid engine.

MPG Ratings & Fuel Efficiency

Now, we’ll move to fuel efficiency and MPG ratings. These are important to pay attention to because they’ll provide you with an idea of how often you’ll need to stop for gas.

As previously mentioned, the Highlander offers an available hybrid engine, which delivers impressive MPG ratings. You’ll get an EPA-estimated 36 city and 35 highway MPG.¹

The Lexus, on the other hand, falls short, delivering just an EPA-estimated 20 city and 27 highway MPG.

Interior Cabin Space

Finally, we’ll look at how much interior cabin space you’ll find yourself with. You’ll get much more cargo space in the Highlander since it comes with three rows of seats, while the RX 350 only has two rows:

2021 Toyota Highlander		2021 Lexus RX 350
16.0 cubic feet	Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row)	N/A
48.4 cubic feet	Cargo Volume (behind 2nd row)	18.4 cubic feet
84.3 cubic feet	Cargo Volume (behind 1st row)	56.3 cubic feet

As you can see, with the Highlander, you’ll have a much easier time transporting groceries, luggage, sporting equipment, or even furniture.

The Verdict: 2021 Toyota Highlander vs Lexus RX 350

While both crossovers may be decent choices for your commutes near Zanesville, Cambridge, Coshocton, and Newark, OH, it’s clear that the Toyota Highlander outperforms the Lexus RX 350 in crucial categories, like performance, fuel efficiency, and interior cabin space.

Here at Zanesville Toyota, we’re dedicated to providing you with a fun and informative car-buying experience. For more information or to schedule your next test drive, give us a call or stop by today!

 

¹ EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/36 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.