What is the Lexus Version of the Highlander? Described
When you're looking intended for a little more luxury within your family hauler, you've probably pondered what is the lexus version of the highlander and whether the upgrade is really worth the additional investment. It's a smart question to ask because Toyota and Lexus possess a long history of sharing "bones" between their vehicles. Essentially, if Toyota creates a hit, Lexus usually takes that foundation, wraps it in better leather, provides more soundproofing, plus gives it a sharper look.
For the longest time, the answer to this question was a bit complicated, yet these days, points are much clearer. Depending on specifically what you're looking for—whether it's just the brand name or the real three-row seating capacity—the answer is either the Lexus RX or the brand-new Lexus TX .
The Historic Answer: The Lexus RX
With regard to over two years, if you wanted the fancy version of a Highlander, a person bought a Lexus RX. They shared the same basic platform for a long time. In the event that you looked under the hood of an older Highlander and an older RX 350, you'd see a lot of the exact same parts. However, there is always one major catch: the Highlander was a devoted three-row SUV, while the RX has been primarily a two-row cruiser.
Lexus tried to bridge this gap a several years ago along with the RX 350L. They basically expanded the rear finish of the RX to squeeze within a third row, but to become completely honest, it wasn't great. In case you were the kid, it was good, but for grownups, it was a bit of a nightmare back presently there. So, while the RX was technically the "Lexus Highlander" for a long time, it didn't quite match the Highlander's utility.
Today, the RX has moved onto its very own route. It's still the luxury sibling in spirit, but it has leaned back in becoming a five-passenger automobile that focuses on comfort and tech instead of trying to cram in additional seats.
The Modern Answer: The Lexus TX
If you're wondering what is the lexus version of the highlander in the context of today's marketplace, the real solution is the Lexus TX .
Specifically, the Lexus TX is the luxury twin of the Toyota Grand Highlander . Toyota understood that the standard Highlander was the bit tight within the third row, so they released the "Grand" version. Lexus followed suit by launching the TEXAS, which is constructed on the same assembly line in Indiana.
This is the vehicle people have been waiting for. It finally offers you that will massive interior area, a third line that actual adults can sit in, and enough cargo room for a grocery run actually when the chairs are up. When you love the way the Highlander drives but a person want the "L" badge on the grille along with a vacation cabin that feels like a five-star hotel, the TX is your own ride.
What Do You Get for the Extra Money?
A person might be considering, "If they're built on the exact same frame, why shouldn't I just save ten grand and obtain the Toyota? " That's a good point, but the variations are more than just skin deep.
A Quieter Cabin
One of the first things you notice when you jump from a Highlander in to a Lexus TX or RX is the silence. Lexus spends the fortune on additional sound deadening, fuller glass, and much better seals around the doors. While the Highlander is in no way a loud vehicle, the Lexus version feels like you're sitting in a library. It's created to isolate a person from the chaos of traffic.
Better Materials
Don't get me wrong, Toyota interiors are built in order to last forever, however they can feel a little "plastic-y" in certain spots. Lexus eliminates those hard materials with soft-touch components, genuine wood trim, and high-quality NuLuxe or semi-aniline natural leather. Even the carpets and rugs feel a little bit thicker. It's individuals small touchpoints that make it feel like a premium expertise every time you receive behind the steering wheel.
The Store Experience
This particular is something people often overlook. When you buy the Lexus version, you're also paying for the service. Lexus dealers are famous regarding their lounge areas, loaner cars, and generally higher-level of customer service. In case you're the type of person that hates sitting in a crowded waiting room while your own oil gets transformed, the Lexus taxes starts to look a lot even more attractive.
Overall performance and Engine Choices
When you compare these types of two, you'll discover that the powerplants are pretty similar, but Lexus usually gets the "tuned up" versions.
The standard Highlander now uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and so does the base Lexus TX 350. However, Lexus offers the TX 500h F Sport Functionality , which is a hybrid set up that's way punchier than anything you can get in the standard Highlander lineup.
If you're looking for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), Lexus has you covered there as well with the TX 550h+. This provides you the capability to drive on pure electricity intended for short commutes, something that isn't really the highlight of the standard Highlander range. It's this variety of high-end performance that separates the luxury version through the mass-market 1.
Is the Lexus Version Right for You?
Choosing between the two really comes down to how you use your car. If your SUV is going to become a "kid-mobile" filled with crushed Cheerios, muddy cleats, and wet dogs, you may actually prefer the Toyota. The Highlander is designed to be beat upward and wiped straight down. It's the best tool to get a hectic family.
Upon the other hand, if your children are a little older, or when you do the lot of traveling for work plus want a room that helps a person de-stress, the Lexus version is tough to beat. It takes all the reliability and "bulletproof" nature of the Highlander and adds a layer of sophistication that makes daily driving significantly more enjoyable.
The Resale Worth Factor
One particular cool thing regarding both of these types of vehicles is that they hold their own value like crazy. Toyota and Lexus consistently top the charts for reselling value. Because people understand that a Highlander or a TX will certainly easily go two hundred, 000 miles along with basic maintenance, they will are always within high demand on the used market.
While you pay more upfront for the Lexus, you'll likely get a bigger amount of that back when it's time to trade it within. It's one of the few luxurious purchases that really makes some sense from a financial perspective.
Wrapping It Up
So, what is the lexus version of the highlander ? It's the Lexus RX when you want the mid-sized, ultra-comfortable five-seater, and it's the Lexus TX if you want the complete three-row experience with plenty of shipment space.
Both vehicles are fantastic, and you also actually can't go wrong along with either. It just depends on whether or not you want the rugged, dependable "Swiss Army Knife" that is the Toyota, or the processed, whisper-quiet "private plane on wheels" that will is the Lexus. For those who have the budget for it, the Lexus version provides a level of polish that's hard to walk away from once you've taken a test drive.