Los Angeles driver, are you looking for a midsized luxury SUV with a focus on performance, comfort, and all-around style? If so, then look no further. We all know how stressful new car shopping can be, so we’ve made the process a bit easier by comparing the Lexus RX 350 against the Toyota Highlander.
After reading our review, come to pay us a visit at Longo Lexus in El Monte and test drive your very own RX 350.
Performance
Lexus RX 350
The 2018 Lexus RX 350 includes a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission which produces 296 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to fuel efficiency, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models differ only slightly, with front-wheel drive getting 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway and all-wheel drive getting 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway.
The RX 350 is also available in the F Sport Package. This package adds a number of enhancements to the vehicle, including sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport S+ drive mode, sport-tuned Electronic Power Steering, paddle shifters, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System.
Toyota Highlander
The 2018 Highlander LE model, which comes in front-wheel drive only, includes 2.7-liter inline-4 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Along with this, you can choose to upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission which produces 296 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This style can go between front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The LE trim has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs, with higher trims having a capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Comfort and Convenience
Lexus RX 350
The RX 350 is standardly equipped with a black or stratus gray NuLuxe interior trim or optional leather seating. Leather color options include black, neutral parchment, and bold rioja red. The two-row, five-seat SUV also comes with dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter, a power tilting/telescoping steering wheel, leather-trimmed wheel and shift knob, power rear door, power-adjustable front seats, and 40/20/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats.
The RX 350 comes standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rain-sensing windshield wipers that automatically react to the elements around you, allowing you to concentrate more on what is in front of you. Also included in this is Drive Mode Select which allows you to choose a performance mode according to specific weather or terrain. This vehicle also includes the Lexus Display Audio with Scout GPS Link navigation, voice command, Bluetooth tech, Siri Eyes Free, and the Lexus Enform suite of apps.
Toyota Highlander
Certain Highlander models come standard with a second-row bench that helps the Highlander seat up to eight people. All Highlander models include soft-touch dash and surfaces, as well as a 60/40 split-folding and reclining second row and a fold-flat third row.
Buyers can choose from a number of interior features including SofTex or leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control with second-row control panel, a Smart Key System, Driver Easy Speak microphone, and ambient lighting.
Pricing
Lexus RX 350
Starts at $43,270 MSRP
Toyota Highlander
Starts at $31,030 MSRP
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