Comparison - Toyota Highlander Limited 2016 - vs - Lexus RX 350L Luxury 2018

General

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Average Price: 
37,651
Updated: 
02 Dec 2016
54,085
Updated: 
06 Mar 2018
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Year: 
2016
2018
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
19.20gals
19.20gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Alumina Jade Metallic
#979797
Blizzard Pearl
#FBF8F9
Creme Brulee Mica
#A5A49B
Midnight Black Metallic
#3B3A41
Nautical Blue Metallic
#4A495D
Ooh La La Rouge Mica
#90646C
Predawn Gray Mica
#434043
Shoreline Blue Pearl
#313C4D
Silver Sky Metallic
#868A93
Color: 
Nebula Gray Pearl
#656567
Ultra White
#EAEAEA
Atomic Silver
#B6B2B1
Silver Lining Metallic
#D8D9DD
Obsidian
#171B1C
Nightfall Mica
#042568
Matador Red Mica
#9B2A2C
Caviar
#252525

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Comfortable and pleasing to drive, the 2016 Toyota Highlander is a no-brainer pick for a three-row family crossover. It also earns our top rating

Regardless of trim level, the Highlander stands out by virtue of its spacious and comfortable cabin. Second-row seating is a choice of three-across bench seating or captain's chairs with a side table. The refined V6 and smooth six-speed automatic transmission deliver effortless acceleration and make the Highlander one of the quickest big crossovers around. There are also plenty of contemporary tech tools and smartphone-integrated services, anchored by an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display in the higher trim levels

The Highlander packs enough goodness that we've made it one of our top picks for a three-row crossover this year. But it's not the only model worth checking out. The Highlander's main rival, the Honda Pilot, is fully redesigned this year and is more upscale and carlike than in prior years. The Ford Explorer is also updated this year and offers a similar range of prices and features plus a strong turbocharged V6 option. There's also the handsome-looking Dodge Durango or the three-row Hyundai Santa Fe, the latter of which stacks up nicely against the Highlander across the board. All of them are competent family vehicles, but the Highlander certainly earns its well-deserved reputation for all-around goodness
pros
Refined interior appointments
Quiet, compliant ride
Smooth and strong V6 engine
Seating for up to eight, functional cabin design.

cons
Lackluster four-cylinder engine
Third-row seat isn't as roomy as those in some other top rivals

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative

The Highlander may look a little more rugged than it has in the past; yet it's still more closely related to Toyota's cars than to its rugged trucks like the 4Runner. The Highlander stands as a more civil, family-friendly alternative to the 4Runner or a more spacious alternative to the RAV4

In its latest generation, the Highlander lineup has become a little more truck-influenced from the outside, with the maw-like grille and exaggerated wheel wells and sills offering more than a faint hint of rugged cues. Inside, the cabin is all car, although there are a few fine details borrowed from Toyota's trucks, some Teutonic-themed dash action, and a pleasing jumble of lines and textures.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Flexible second row
Easy third-row access
Good connectivity

Cons
Design is better, but still bland
Just-adequate powertrains
Somewhat busy dash design
Hybrid only delivers if you drive gingerly

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The Toyota Highlander's reasonable price and ample list of advanced safety features make it one the best value propositions in the class. You won't find any other midsize SUV at its roughly $30,000 price point with this many active safety features. On top of that, its interior is made with upscale materials, and the ride is hushed

the Highlander's driving dynamics are comfortable but dull. It’s base four-cylinder engine is unusual for the class, as most rivals have a standard V6. You can add a V6 engine to the Highlander, but you’ll pay about $1,400 to do so. With its base engine, the Highlander’s fuel economy is above average for the class. You’ll get even better gas mileage with the optional V6 engine. If you want a better driving experience and a more potent engine in the base model, look to the Honda Pilot. There’s a modest $35 difference in price between it and the Highlander, and the Pilot handles much better through turns. You’ll also get the V6 engine standard – just not the active safety features. And if you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the Pilot has them in all but the base trims. You can’t get either with Toyota – at any trim level

Pros
Lots of standard active safety features
Above-average fuel economy
Comfortable and quiet on the highway

Cons
Dull performance and handling
Cramped third-row seat

By: 
cars.usnews.com

The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is an all-new model.The amount of standard equipment on the RX 350L is impressive, but we recommend getting the Luxury trim level. On top of standard equipment such as tri-zone climate control, LED lighting and a power-folding third-row seat, the Luxury trim level adds heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, and heated second-row seats.

PROS
Impeccable cabin finished with top-quality materials and construction
Advanced safety features come standard
Wide cargo bay makes it easy to load luggage and groceries

CONS
Optional tech interface is clever but distracting to use while driving
Less overall cargo capacity than competitors
Third-row space is tight for anyone other than small children

By: 
edmunds.com

Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but it’s also a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional.

Pros
Quiet operation,
cushy ride,
comfortable for five.

Cons
Alien styling,
miserly cargo hold,
uncomfortable for seven.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
19.00mpg
18.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
25.00mpg
25.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
v
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.50L
Torque: 
248ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
268ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
Horsepower: 
270hp
at 6 200rpm
290hp
at 6 300rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
38.70Feet
38.80Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
no
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Destination Download
Destination Guidance (Also Turn-By-Turn Navigation)
Roadside Assistance

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
191.10in
196.90in
Width: 
75.80in
74.60in
Height: 
70.10in
67.70in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
8.10in
Front Track: 
64.40in
64.20in
Rear Track: 
64.20in
63.80in
Wheel Base: 
109.80in
109.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
39.50
39.80
Rear Head Room: 
39.60
38.50
Front Leg Room: 
44.20in
41.40in
Rear leg room: 
38.40in
30.90in
Front Hip Room: 
57.10in
55.80in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.30in
58.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.10in
55.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
59.60in
57.80in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
83.20cu.ft
58.50cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
3500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
13.80cu.ft
7.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
18.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
23.10degrees
Curb Weight: 
4354.00lbs
4619.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
4 one-touch power windows
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
Hands-Free Entry
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
no
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Bucket front seats
8 -way power driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Leather
8-Way Power Driver Seat
8-Way Power Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Premium Leather
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Rear Seats Features: 
folding rear seatback
Manual folding bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Reclining rear seats
Folding Center Armrest
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Reclining Rear Seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Leather steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Leather And Wood Steering Wheel
Heated Steering Wheel
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
12 total speakers
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
Satellite radio w/real time traffic satellite radio
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
9 Total Speakers
USB Connection
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
Memory Card Slot
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Manual sunshades for rear side windows
Intermittent rear wiper
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
19 x 7.5
20 X 8.0-In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Chrome-clad wheel covers
All-Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
Ventilated rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Remote anti-theft alarm system
First Aid Kit
Glass Breakage Sensor
VIP RS3200 Plus Security System
Glass Breakage Sensor
Post-collision safety system
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Pre-Collision Safety System
Post-Collision Safety System
Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Turn Signal Mirrors
Airbag Deployment Notification
Emergency Service
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance
2 Front Headrests
3 Rear Headrests
4-Wheel ABS
LED Headlamp
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System

Options

Packages: 
Protection Package
Preferred Accessory Package
Protection Package
Cold Weather Package
Towing Prep Package
Exterior Options: 
Mudguards
Alloy Wheel Locks
Paint Protection Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Rear Bumper Applique
Drop Hitch Receiver
Rear Bumper Protector
Special Color
Cross Bars
Cross Bars and Side Rails
Towing Receiver Hitch w/Wire Harness
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Protector
Body SIde Molding
Running Boards
Clear Paint Protection - Hood Package
Clear Paint Protection - Door Package
Accent Stripe
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Door Edge Guards
Running Boards
Touch-Free Power Rear Door
Triple Beam LED Headlamps
Bi-LED Headlamps W/Adaptive Front Lighting System
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Door Edge Film By 3M
Body-Side Moldings
Ball Mount
Tow Hitch Receiver
Mudguards
Interior Options: 
All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat
Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Liner
Wireless Headphones
Cargo Net
Carpet Floor Mats and Carpet Cargo Mat
Retractable Cargo Cover
Cargo Cover
Rear-Seat Blu-Ray DVD Entertainment System
2nd Row Captain's Chairs
Carpet Floor Mats, Carpet Cargo Mat, All Weather Floor Mats
10" Overhead DVD Player (moonroof vehicles)
Connectivity Package (4 Piece)
Carpet Mats w/Lipped Cargo Mat
Illuminated Door Sills
Universal Tablet Holder
Key Gloves
All-Weather Floor Liners
12.3" Navigation System W/Multimedia Display
12.3" Navigation System W/Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package
Color Heads Up Display
Key Gloves (F SPORT)
Carpet Cargo Mat
Cargo Net
Second-Row Captain's Chairs

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ash, cloth
#7D7C7C
Black, cloth
#282828
Color: 
Black leather with Scored Aluminum trim
#575757
Rioja Red leather with Scored Aluminum trim
#784F4D
Stratus Gray leather with Scored Aluminum trim
#C6C6BE