Surprising Differences between Toyota Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX

Our managing editor Jill Ciminillo takes a closer look at both the Toyota Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX. What she discovers just might surprise you.
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[@4af]

Good review except not enough info. on the seat comfort, ride comfort and quietness differences between the two vehicles. The Lexus could be worth the extra cost if it's noticably less fatiguing to drive long distances.

[@americandude3825]

Sat in a grand highlander XLE yesterday. It was amazing. I had a 2022 sienna xle awd. Loved that too. Also own a 2008 sequoia 5.7 with 219k miles that I just refurbished. Also own two 22 rav4 - XSE and XLE gas. Grand Highlander has more room behind the third row than my sequoia.

[@Van-Hammer]

I agree. That color in the Highlander, makes the interior look so much more inviting and overall nicer in appearance than the TX.

[@dgvette1]

I sat in one with that interior, video dont do the colors justice, I almost bought it on spot just for interior colors.

[@silverfox5732]

I didn't think your review was apples to apples, one was regular gas and the GH was hybrid that's a huge difference between the two. I guess it's really up to what's appealing to a person.

[@briand2614]

I test drove a TX350 about a month ago, but I have not driven the Grand Highlander yet. I am looking to replace a 2010 RX350 and the idea of having more space and a useful 3rd row is appealing. My biggest beef is the Captains only 2nd row seats on the higher trims. The higher trims are getting ridiculously more expensive though. Also after 13 years of buying increasingly expensive Premium Fuel for limited gain I’m questioning the purchase of another vehicle that recommends it. The Acura MDX can still be had with an old school V6 that uses Regular fuel. Yes it’s fuel economy isn’t the best, but with Premium being 15-35% more expensive you can buy a lot more fuel.

[@ahsanmalik1013]

Acura MDX vtec-6 is tuned for premium fuels compared to Honda Pilot. So premium fuels are recommended depending on the tune of the engine.

[@briand2614]

@@ahsanmalik1013 indeed you are correct. I was mistaken. Premium although not required is recommended for the MDX. Apparently the NSX is the only Acura that specifically states it is required. If it is recommended as it is on my RX350, then I would be compelled to use it, as I do now, even though I would prefer not to have to use it. My shopping list just got shorter. ☹️. I guess a Luxury vehicle is no longer in my future.

[@almassengale]

Running premium in the MdX gives you a slight but unnoticeable power boost. It runs just fine on regular. I don't know why Lexus decided to require premium on the TX350. You only get a 10hp boost over the Grand Highlander Turbo-4 so it isn't like its a performance car. I'd have rather they just used the exact same engine for both and both used regular fuel. Makes no sense to spend $500 more a year in gas for ten extra horsepower in a car that won't be fast either way.

[@rizwanpatel9640]

I have a 2013 Rx350, and it recommends regular fuel. Not sure why you've been using premium.

[@user-cn4ih4ro2u]

There’s a difference between Lexus and Toyota. There’s no question that the Lexus is more refined. I own Alexis GX and I traded in for a Highlander platinum. Although the Highlander is extremely luxurious, it just doesn’t have quite the refinement of a Lexus.. at the end of the day doesn’t matter they’re both extremely reliable vehicles

[@mathewsrichardson1714]

Traffic jam assist is available on platinum GH models.

[@D3rkr4i]

TX drives so much better, we drove both TX and GH, wife liked TX more. Lexus dealer happened to have one available so we jumped onto that deal, although it was base TX luxury trim, no regrets so far.

[@keenspoons]

Confused by the TJA comment ... seems like that is doable in a GH. So is there any difference in safety features? Surprised Toyota would not offer (if for a cost) but my main consideration. Other than that confusion great review, very helpful and as a fellow Chicagoan the TJA advantage!

[@ALMX5DP]

Did not realize the door handle differences with the GH getting standard mechanical handles while the TX gets electronic door poppers.

[@mattya8540]

Some TX models have rear wheel steering. Another difference that may or may not be a big deal to some who live in tight spaces

[@gen5969]

One big difference you have not mentioned that differentiate the tx 350 vs the GH Max is the hybrid driving you do not have on the tx 350. It makes the grand hylander even more of a wiser choice - you will save money on gas with the GH. And, the Lexus uses premium, and I believe the Grand Hylander uses regular gas. I wish you would also compare the Lexus 500h to the GH max. I really enjoyed your review. Thanks!

[@sueleed6560]

I have the GH hybrid. I chose the limited with moonroof and extra stuff. Not impressed with the TX enough to spend the extra dollars to get the TX. I did not get the platinum since it used the max which changed the fuel efficiency. I get 35-40mpg. As someone else mentioned, you're comparing the power train of a gas to the hybrid which isn't apples to apples. What I hate that you mentioned, is the phone charging station, and....the knobs. I'm constantly going from eco to sport because when grabbing my drink, my palm hits the sport button. Ugh. Yeah. If you really need a 3rd row for everyday use, get a full size SUV. I still am happy to have gotten the GH and using my extra money for other things. I'd never trust the traffic jam assist. I'm in Dallas and folks will cut you off even at 20mph.

[@houstenor]

26:47 I have a 2019 Lexus ES 300h and it has a setting where you can increase or decrease the sensitivity of the safety system. I don’t know if the TX has that capability or not.

[@AK-wg8xn]

Superb job. We were cross shopping the same two vehicles and your review just sealed the deal and helped me save some coin. Most appreciated

[@kennix369]

Hi, Jill excellent job.

[@DaveInCanada081]

Those centre console armrests are totally useless for short people. Look how far forward her seat is! It must hurt her arm laying it on the gearshift all day. Every drivers seat should come with an integrated armrest that moves with the seat. Just like the ones on the middle row seats in the Highlander.

[@AggiePhil]

Love this video!

[@wilbercruz2431]

I drive a bmw and trying to go on something more reliable when it comes to maintenance and less problematic but just looking at all details and design is kind of difficult to make a choice

[@grandthegamer40]

Toyota Grand highlander has traffic jams assist. I own a grand highlander. it's a great car for a big family, and before you talk about cars, learn the features

[@dgvette1]

Dont forget the lackluster gas motor. Grand Highlander for a solid win, plus the color of Toyota interior.

[@dgvette1]

Kids are very messy, plain seating is a thoughtful design, easy wash.

[@stevefarquer9144]

watching that screen blipping like that would drive me crazy

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

It doesn't blip in real life.

[@user-tk7km1sr7e]

I agree with you, GH all the way. I don't like the silly digital door handles.

[@peter8142]

Awesome review/comparison! 👍🏼

[@joshp3239]

Grand Highlander looks better. TX550h+ has the best powerful option.

[@naveenthemachine]

Don’t get too excited. The 550h is nothing to write home about It’s still very slow vs other luxury cars, and it’s way overpriced and in every category the Tx does poorly vs competitors

[@victorsaleeb5632]

Does Lexus TX 2024 have 8 seats?

[@ag4eng]

Toyota is selling these GH Hybrid Max Platinums around $65k.

[@joelc9329]

If you can even find one.

[@dgvette1]

Even an Escalade has very narrow third row.

[@petergazarek9466]

LEXUS 😎👍

[@sw6155]

Lady, the ONLY reason to buy this behemoth Is PRECISELY the need to fit 3 on the 3rd row… What’s wrong with these people?!? How come they don’t do a basic prelim study of to whom this vehicle is marketed to?!?

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

Interesting opinion.

[@sueleed6560]

If I need a third row for daily use with teenagers or bigger folks, I'd have gotten the Toyota Sequoia. Unfortunately it's still a V8. I'm waiting for Toyota to make it a hybrid, then, we'll have the ultimate win. 😂

[@normanli7085]

​@@sueleed6560 the new sequoia is standard hybrid. However the packaging is not as efficient

[@Danzilly]

I like the fit and finish of the highlander. Lexus is slipping.

[@DaveInCanada081]

The GrandHighlander has a beautiful interior.

[@bentolentino6591]

😊

[@bentolentino6591]

You are right. The TX is overpriced.

[@chaitu2k7]

captains chairs is a scam, it makes its a 6 seater which beats the purpose of buying a large suv, I think Toyota GHH limited with second row bench seat is the best spec. Lexus is a scam not much different than Toyota.

[@bigjim005]

Couldn't last through the whole rant. Whoa

[@dgvette1]

Third row is designed for children.

[@icare7151]

Lexus is no longer Lexus. Lexus is a very overpriced Toyota absolutely not worth it. I wrote an article on it today.

[@Pickuptrucktalk]

You wrote an article? Link??

[@icare7151]

@@Pickuptrucktalk I haven’t published yet. Today I wrote the draft comparing GMs 1980s plunder of common platforms and parts of which were all based on Chevrolet then passed off as a Cadillac etc just as Toyota is doing with Lexus now. Lexus has become an overpriced Toyota. I have a 2021 4Runner Limited and 2015 Lexus RX450h with the Luxury and Performance packages.

[@DaveInCanada081]

​@@icare7151This sounds like an excellent article. I would like to read it as well. I remember the Lexus ES250 was a rebadged Camry that cost $10000 more. And the class action lawsuit when GM put Chevy 350s in Oldsmobiles.

[@icare7151]

@@DaveInCanada081 You are 100% correct. Consumers are realizing Lexus is no longer Lexus, just an overpriced Toyota and the Toyota brand is becoming more of an overpriced generic Chevrolet with the same or lower quality and reliability.

[@UAkovalchuk]

@@icare7151i agree with u100% i just bought a brand new grandhighlander xle and quality control is horible!! Clips r missing !! Trim pieces r not fitting right the metall is so thin the hood is shaking when u drive it!!! Toyota i payed 47 K !! R u kidding me

[@naveenthemachine]

There is no difference 😂 Both are the same car

[@LifeIsGoodThankYouGod]

Who really care about cups holder... lol

[@joelc9329]

Obviously not Lexus lol

[@LifeIsGoodThankYouGod]

Lexus TX is ugly looking.