Toyota Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of trims tailored to different powertrain choices. The standard non-hybrid version was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum trims, while the hybrid variant replaced the Platinum with the Nightshade trim. The Hybrid Max option, which was more powerful, was available in the Limited and Platinum trims. During our test drive, we experienced the top-spec Hybrid Max Platinum. The exterior design was functional rather than stylish, featuring a wide, flat-bottomed grille and a boxy silhouette. The LE and XLE trims came with 18-inch wheels, while the rest of the lineup boasted 20-inch alloys. The Nightshade trim attempted a moody aesthetic with black exterior elements, but overall, Toyota prioritized practicality over aesthetics. Inside, the Hybrid Max Platinum's brown interior was more practical than luxurious, with leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats and bronze accents. The cabin felt spacious and airy, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in various trims based on the powertrain. The TX 350 came in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid offered F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. For 2026, the 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models had 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ stood out with 22-inch wheels. The exterior retained a large grille with sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. While ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity, and the interior could have benefited from more attention to detail.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 265 horsepower in the non-hybrid version. The lower-level hybrid powertrain had a 2.5-liter inline-four engine generating 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max powertrain combined the 2.4-liter turbo-four with a hybrid system to deliver 362 hp. Most models came with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Hybrid Max had full-time all-wheel drive, providing stability and agility. While the Hybrid Max handled turns well, it wasn't a performance vehicle. The Sport drive mode offered minimal changes in throttle or transmission response, but the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly, and the brakes felt firm. The steering was light, making for easy cruising. The Hybrid Max tester included Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system with settings for various terrains, but it wasn't recommended for serious off-roading.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered impressive performance, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrid test car generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX provided multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, making it versatile for different driving scenarios. The drive modes included Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The 550h+ offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the brakes were firm and linear. The all-wheel drive system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered three-zone climate control with physical buttons and knobs for temperature and airflow selection. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, while upper trims featured heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and a heated steering wheel. The third row was spacious, with over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The second row allowed for easy installation of rear-facing car seats, and most trims included retractable window shades. The third row was accessible thanks to the adjustable second row. The interior featured a storage shelf in the dash, a cubby in front of the shifter, and ample cupholders. The cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The gas and Hybrid Max powertrains could tow up to 5,000 pounds, while the standard hybrid was rated for 3,500 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable center console, while some trims had a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, and each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. A one-touch button on the second row facilitated entry to the third row, but folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The climate controls were mostly on the screen, with physical dials for temperature. The cargo space was excellent, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat, and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen's graphics were sharp, and the system responded quickly to inputs, though some menus were confusing. Voice assistant, navigation, and phone-as-key functionality required a subscription. Most trims included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with customizable information. The Platinum trim offered a digital rearview camera mirror, providing a wide-angle view of the rear. The 360-degree camera system was crisp and clear, with a see-through bird's-eye view. A 10-inch head-up display showed speed, road signs, and navigation. Every trim had seven USB-C ports and two 12-volt outlets, with wireless charging available on most trims. The Limited and Platinum trims with the non-hybrid powertrain had one 120-volt outlet, while the upper trims of the hybrid and Hybrid Max had two.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen that was easy to use and responsive. However, some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were multi-functional and unlabeled, making them confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. In-dash navigation required a subscription, as did other features like voice assistant and digital key. The backup camera was clear, with an available bird's-eye view. The Advanced Park system could handle parking duties in parallel and perpendicular spaces. The rear-camera mirror provided an unobstructed view. The TX had seven USB ports and wireless charging, with an available 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard across all trims. Traffic jam assist was available on the top gas and Hybrid Max trims, operating at speeds below 25 mph. The NHTSA gave the Grand Highlander an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, while the IIHS awarded mostly top "Good" scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured the Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning with steering assist, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The NHTSA hadn't released safety ratings for the 550h+, but the TX 350 and TX 500h earned five out of five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side.