Lexus has a devoted fan base for good reason: They frequently provide excellent levels of comfort and reliability in addition to a luxurious driving experience. However, the price may put some people off, and for those who don't want to spend the money on the luxury emblem, there are several more reasonable options to consider. The Toyota Highlander is based on the same chassis as the Lexus RX and starts at about $10,000 less than the Lexus. However, it remains to be seen if it can match the luxury of the Lexus SUV.

The Highlander's nimble handling is praised by test drivers, who describe the ride as "comfortable and controlled." The RX, unlike the Highlander, does not have exceptionally good handling. Its steering isn't very quick, and its soft suspension makes the vehicle lean over, giving the uneasy sense that it doesn't hug the road well.

Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition, Forward Collision Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control are all part of Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 package of safety technologies for the 2021 Highlander. Buyers can expect the 2021 RX to get Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Forward Collision Warning as standard safety features. Blind Spot Warning is standard on the RX, unlike the Highlander.

Despite the fact that the Highlander lacks the RX's plush luxury and power, it still comes with a long list of standard equipment and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The Highlander's cabin delivers similar levels of high-end materials and comfort once amongst the highest trim levels. However, Highlander's pricing is comparable to the RX at this stage. Power-adjustable driver’s seats can be found on both vehicles.

Those who want more people to sit inside their vehicles should choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander. This can comfortably seat up to 8 people, as compared to 5 people inside the 2021 Lexus RX.

RX models offer a better Basic Warranty here as compared to the Highlander. A complete look at the warranties is as follows:

Engine configurations on both vehicles are almost the same, with a slight difference in torque. Buyers of the 2021 Lexus RX will experience the performance from a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 hp of power and 268 lb-ft of torque. The same engine with 263 lb-ft of torque is present in the 2021 Toyota Highlander.

Apart from power-adjustable driver’s seats, other features common to both vehicles include LED headlights, Bluetooth, and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. 8-speed automatic transmissions are also common on these SUVs. 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity is also the same.

Both vehicles are available with FWD (Front Wheel Drive) and AWD (All Wheel Drive).

RX has the larger fuel tank between the two. It can hold 19.2 gallons of fuel in comparison to 17.9 gallons for the Highlander.

The Highlander offers a slightly better-combined mileage. 24 MPG is available here as against 23 MPG for the RX.