VS
At a Glance
Power
246hp @ 6000
265hp @ 6000
Torque
233lb-ft @ 4300
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
36 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Lexus Rx Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Lexus Rx Hybrid delivers 246hp @ 6000 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Rx Hybrid returns 36 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $53,525 for the Rx Hybrid and $47,640 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Lexus Rx HybridRX 350h AWD 2026 - From $53,525
Toyota HighlanderXSE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $47,640
Performance
Power Output (hp)
246hp @ 6000
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
233lb-ft @ 4300
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
36 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
37mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
34mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.2gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
192.5in
197.4in
Width (in)
75.6in
76in
Height (in)
67.3in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
112.2in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4480lbs
4420lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Highlander
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Highlander
Fuel Economy
Rx Hybrid
Value
Highlander
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
Lexus Rx Hybrid
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Toyota Highlander
Lower starting price ($47,640)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rx Hybrid or Highlander?
The Rx Hybrid gets 36 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Rx Hybrid is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rx Hybrid or Highlander?
The Rx Hybrid produces 246hp @ 6000 and 233lb-ft @ 4300 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Highlander is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rx Hybrid and Highlander?
The Rx Hybrid starts from $53,525 and the Highlander from $47,640. The Highlander is cheaper by $5,885 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rx Hybrid or Highlander?
The Rx Hybrid has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rx Hybrid or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.