The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway..
Pros Better style New sporty XSE look Still practical… ...and fuel efficient Great standard safety
Cons Infotainment is still a headache Exterior is a little busy Pricey top models Small-ish third row
The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.
Pros Attractive design, optional hybrid powertrain, generous standard features.
Cons Few driving thrills, skimpy third-row room, fussy interior styling.
The sporty XSE trim debuts in the Hybrid lineup.More advanced safety features are standard.LED headlights are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy for a three-row SUV Sensibly priced compared to the non-hybrid Highlander Comfortable ride quality Plenty of standard and available safety features
Cons Third-row seats are cramped Not a whole lot of cargo space behind the third-row seat Engine sounds unrefined at full throttle
For 2021 Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard.A wireless charging pad is now available.
Pros Impeccably crafted, attractively designed cabin Generous passenger room Supremely quiet interior Smooth power delivery
Cons Below-average cargo capacity Relatively slow acceleration Touchpad controller is distracting to use Subpar real-world fuel economy
The 2021 Lexus RX Hybrid's #6 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. Currently the Lexus RX Hybrid has a score of 7.8 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 29 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Silky ride Lengthy features list Opulent cabin
Cons Less nimble than rivals Limited cargo space Finicky Remote Touch infotainment interface Miniscule third row
Lexus introduced the Black Line Special Edition package for the F Sport models. It comes with black exterior accents, black 20-inch wheels, blue stitching for the leather interior, and either an Ultra White or Grecian Water (medium blue) paint job. More notably, ordering the Black Line Special Edition package also adds a two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Elsewhere, the RX receives a new interior color—Glazed Caramel—which replaces Noble Brown. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and power-folding exterior mirrors are all now standard. A wireless smartphone charging pad is now optional and the Performance package has been rechristened as the Handling package.
Pros Fuel-efficient powertrains, standard driver-assistance features, silky-smooth ride quality.
Cons Lazy driving demeanor, relaxed acceleration, fussy infotainment touchpad.
