Highlander Hybrid
Lexus RX 400h (or 350) vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited?
Hello there,
well, I got a question regarding which SUV to choose.
If I get to compare a RX400h vs a fully equipped, I mean “fully”, not “well equipped”, Highlander Hybrid Limited, then which car should I get to consider more?
I have been driving 2002 Toyota Highlander, so I somewhat want to get away from driving same car, although current Highlander is a different car from the previous generation.
Also in terms of cabin noise while driving, does RX tops Highlander so much?
Well, If you know any other SUV at the price level of RX 400h (or 350) to recommend over RX 400h (or 350), please let me know too.
Thank you.
Hi,
while it’s true that the RX350/400h and the Highlander Hybrid share basic components, they are not the exact same vehicle. BTW, the 400h is the current version of the RX, the 350h was the last generation, just to be clear.
The mpg on the HighHy will be 27 city / 25 hwy, the RX is 26 city / 24 hwy. This is due to the RX being a slightly heavier, slightly less aerodynamic vehicle.
The RX will have features not available on the Highlander, even on the HighHy Limited trim. Toyota does designate some exclusives for the Lexus line.
Also, the Highlander’s body is designed for three rows of seats and, irregardless of how well an adult will or will not fit in that 3rd row, the body configuration does allow for more total passenger/cargo volume in the Highlander due to the different tailgate configuration.
The HighHy has 94.1 total cargo capacity behind the front seats, the RX has 87.4 total behind the fronts, a difference of 6.7 cubic feet (picture 6 1/2 basketballs worth of space more).
You don’t mention if carrying kids is a priority. If it is, then the Highlander would be the better configuration.
The RX will be the more quiet of the two, as Toyota uses more sound deadening and sound modification on the Lexus line.
As an example, Lexus uses an active sound dampening system which creates an acoustically tuned vibration that counteracts cabin noise. This is done through the stereo system.
Also, there will be more actual sound-deadening materials used in Lexus vehicles, although the new gen Highlander does have some of the older Lexus concepts, such as rubber pads between the gaps of the front and rear doors.
You will need to drive both vehicles to see how much difference there is to you. To be honest, all vehicles are tested at certain parameters that may not match up with your expectations and needs. Personally, I am sensitive to high-pitched vibrations, so I am more conscious of those. That may not be as big an issue for you. Drive on the highway at your normal speed, and with stop and go on city streets and on side roads.
My advice is to create a “Ben Franklin”- draw a line down the center of a sheet of paper and write what you must have on the left and what you’d like to have on the right. Get brochures or go online for each vehicle for their respective features and build each online to see how your wants price out with your needs.
Put this list away for a few days and then pull it out to see if your answers have changed. Only then would I go to the lots to see what is available in your area on a day when the dealership is closed. Not all options are available in all areas of the country (which is why they ask for your zip code online, so you don’t get offered an option that is not available in your area).
Once you have a good idea, only then would I schedule a test drive for each and tell the salesperson up front that you are looking at both vehicles. If you get a bad vibe, then say thank you and walk away. It’s a rare thing to hear about a bad experience at a Lexus dealership, so you might want to save that one for last.
Good luck, you can’t go wrong either way.
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