If you’re shopping for a spacious three-row SUV that can handle family road trips, daily commutes, and everything in between, you’ve probably come across the Toyota Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX. These two share some DNA under the hood since they’re built on the same platform, but they target different buyers. The Grand Highlander appeals to folks wanting reliability and value without breaking the bank, while the Lexus TX steps up the luxury game for those who crave a more premium feel. In this Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX comparison, we’ll break it down to help you decide.
Overview of the Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander hit the scene in 2024 as a bigger brother to the popular Highlander. It’s designed for growing families who need extra space without jumping to a full-size truck-based SUV like the Sequoia. Toyota aimed this at budget-conscious buyers who prioritize practicality, with seating for up to eight and plenty of cargo room.
Overview of the Lexus TX
Also new for 2024, the Lexus TX is Lexus’s first dedicated three-row SUV built from the ground up. It’s not just a rebadged Toyota—it’s tailored for the luxury crowd, offering a smoother ride and upscale touches. Think of it as the sophisticated option for drivers who want refinement alongside family-friendly features.
Price and Value Comparison
Price is often the first thing buyers check in a Grand Highlander comparison or Lexus TX review. The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starts around $43,000, making it more accessible for everyday families. Top trims can climb to about $54,000 with all the bells and whistles.
The Lexus TX, on the other hand, kicks off at roughly $55,000, reflecting its luxury positioning. Fully loaded models can push past $70,000. Is the extra cost worth it? For some, yes—the TX includes more standard features like a larger touchscreen and premium materials. But if you’re comparing Toyota vs Lexus SUV on value alone, the Grand Highlander often feels like a steal.
Performance and Engine Options
Both SUVs offer solid power, but their engine lineups cater to different needs.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: Choices include a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder (265 horsepower), a hybrid (245 hp with up to 36 mpg combined), and the Hybrid MAX (362 hp for quicker acceleration).
- Lexus TX: Starts with a similar 2.4-liter turbo (275 hp), jumps to the 500h hybrid (366 hp), and tops out with the 550h+ plug-in hybrid (404 hp and about 33 miles of electric-only range).
The Grand Highlander gives more options for efficiency seekers, while the Lexus TX leans toward performance with its plug-in setup. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds for both.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Space
Inside, these SUVs shine for family use, but the Lexus edges ahead in luxury.
The Grand Highlander offers a practical cabin with soft-touch materials and room for adults in all three rows. Cargo space is generous—20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded.
The Lexus TX feels more upscale with better sound insulation for a quieter ride, semi-aniline leather options, and a slightly longer body for extra wiggle room. It has 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row but matches the 97 cubic feet max. Both seat seven or eight, depending on second-row configuration.
Comfort-wise, the TX’s seats are plusher, and it includes ventilated second-row seats on higher trims—great for long drives.
Technology and Infotainment
Tech is a strong suit for both in this Toyota vs Lexus SUV matchup.
- The Grand Highlander comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen standard, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and up to 13 cupholders.
- The Lexus TX ups it to a 14-inch screen, with similar connectivity plus integrated climate controls for a cleaner look.
Both support over-the-air updates and offer head-up displays on top trims. If you love gadgets, the TX feels more polished.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is non-negotiable for family haulers. Both earn top marks from testers, with standard suites like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Grand Highlander adds Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0, including proactive driving assist.
The Lexus TX mirrors this with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, plus extras like a 360-degree camera on more trims. Neither skimps here—peace of mind is built-in.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Efficiency varies by engine, but the Grand Highlander often wins for thriftiness.
- Grand Highlander: Base gas gets 21/28 mpg (city/highway), hybrid up to 36 mpg combined.
- Lexus TX: Similar for gas (21/27 mpg), hybrids around 27-29 mpg, but the plug-in offers EV mode for short trips.
If gas savings matter in your Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX decision, go Toyota hybrid.
Driving Experience and Handling
On the road, the Grand Highlander handles like a confident family SUV—smooth, stable, and easy to maneuver despite its size.
The Lexus TX refines this further with enhanced suspension for a cushier ride and better body control. It’s quieter too, thanks to extra soundproofing. For daily driving, both impress, but the TX feels more luxurious on highways.
Pros and Cons of Each
Toyota Grand Highlander
Pros:
- Lower starting price
- More engine variety, including efficient hybrid
- Slightly more cargo space
Cons:
- Less premium materials
- No plug-in option
Lexus TX
Pros:
- Upscale interior and quieter cabin
- Powerful plug-in hybrid
- Larger standard touchscreen
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Fewer efficiency-focused options
Quick Specs Table
| Feature | Toyota Grand Highlander (2024) | Lexus TX (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ~$43,000 | ~$55,000 |
| Engine Options | 265 hp gas, 245 hp hybrid, 362 hp Hybrid MAX | 275 hp gas, 366 hp hybrid, 404 hp PHEV |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | Up to 36 mpg (hybrid) | Up to 29 mpg (hybrid) |
| Cargo Space (max) | 97 cu ft | 97 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 | 7-8 |
| Towing Capacity | 5,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3 inches | 14 inches |
Final Verdict
In the Grand Highlander vs Lexus TX showdown, it depends on your priorities. Budget-focused families who want value and efficiency should pick the Toyota Grand Highlander—it’s reliable, spacious, and won’t empty your wallet. Luxury lovers craving refinement, a quieter ride, and upscale features will prefer the Lexus TX, especially with its plug-in power.
