2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling reflected its longevity in the market. Retaining its basic body shell from a decade ago, it saw various updates over the years, most notably inheriting Lexus’ spindle grille in 2014 and receiving a textured grille insert and triple-beam LED headlights in 2020. The 2021 model didn’t feature further styling changes, but it did standardize silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim level, with 19-inch wheels as an option.

Despite the GX not being originally designed for the spindle grille, its appearance was surprisingly coherent. The grille looked massive, yet Lexus succeeded in maintaining a tough, aggressive, and distinctive look appealing to SUV shoppers. Contrarily, the interior didn’t quite meet modern luxury standards. The Premium test car's wood trim resembled molded plastic, and actual plastic elements were abundant. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim level.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander departed from a generic crossover appearance, presenting a bold and distinctive look. Its front end was less dramatic than the Sienna minivan but still featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile drew inspiration from the Supra, and Lexus-style taillights adorned the rear, making it look longer and lower without compromising size.

Toyota introduced the XSE trim in 2021, adding a restyled front end for a sportier impression, coupled with suspension tuning for marginally enhanced sportiness. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum trim, showcased chrome roof rails and accents, and was particularly impressive inside. The fit and finish in the Limited trim were nearly flawless, with well-finished tan leather seats contrasted by dark brown trim, and attractive wood details.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a simple powertrain setup with only one engine option: a 4.6-liter V8 delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The performance was a nostalgia trip to older SUVs, with the V8 providing ample torque at low speeds but struggling at higher speeds due to the vehicle’s hefty 5,130-pound weight. The GX clocked a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, relying heavily on careful planning for overtaking.

The braking experience also required forward-thinking, typical of body-on-frame vehicles. The ride quality was subpar, typified by noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX shone in off-road capabilities, equipped with a Torsen center differential, a low-range gearbox, and several off-road aids like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and decent approach, departure, and break-over angles.

In towing, the GX excelled with a 6,500-pound capacity and stability control, including trailer-sway functionality.

Under the hood of every 2021 Toyota Highlander was a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. The Highlander’s powertrain provided smooth, predictable performance suitable for family mobility, rather than aggressive driving.

The Highlander handled adequately in its class, comparable to rivals like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. Its soft suspension, while ensuring comfort, made it less agile in corners. The XSE trim brought some handling improvements with upgraded springs, shocks, and a rear stabilizer bar, adding a pinch of driving excitement without compromising overall comfort.

The interior ergonomics of the Lexus GX signaled its age. The upright dashboard and high center console resulted in limited legroom, and the steering wheel's awkward angle coupled with the tall seating position felt bus-like. While a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel was new for 2021 Premium models, the heating wasn’t consistent throughout due to the wood trim.

The dashboard design afforded excellent outward visibility, especially the low side glass when parking, and likely off-road as well. Forward visibility, however, was hampered by the tall hood. Storage was inadequate, with small center-console bins and cupholders. Despite this, physical buttons for climate control and seat heaters were a redeeming feature, offering usability without needing to rely on a touchscreen.

The GX’s three-row seating accommodated seven, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The power-folding third row was introduced in 2021 on the Premium Plus Package and was standard on the Luxury trim. Nonetheless, accessing the third row was cumbersome, and the seats provided minimal comfort and space.

Cargo space measured 64.7 cubic feet with both second and third rows folded, significantly less than the Discovery’s 73.0 cubic feet. With the third row up, the cargo area shrank considerably, making the GX more practical as a two-row SUV.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander maximized driver and passenger comfort, practicality, and convenience. A notable feature was the set of shelves ahead of the front seats, ideal for storing large cell phones with charging cord pass-throughs. Higher trims featured a wireless charging pad situated within the center console.

Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to adjust spacing between rows. The third row could accommodate adults minimally if the second row made some concessions. One unusual critique was the ceiling-mounted rear-seat climate control vents, which blew directly onto passengers’ heads without leg-level options.

The Highlander offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows down. This configuration provided ample cargo space suitable for various needs.

As a decade-old design, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on technology features. It included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity as standard, but lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Two USB ports in the first two rows were standard, though the third row received none. An optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available.

The infotainment system was basic, with a touchscreen reminiscent of the 1990s in aesthetics and functionality. A secondary digital clock display for time and temperature added to the outdated feel. Nevertheless, analog controls for most functions were a welcome deviation from touchscreen reliance in many luxury SUVs.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on trims below the Limited, with a 12.3-inch screen offered optionally on the Limited and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though navigation had limitations, struggling with points of interest. Fortunately, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard.

The 12.3-inch screen in the test car displayed a bright, crisp interface but offered limited functionality for some apps like navigation. Despite its attractiveness, the JBL audio system associated with this setup was decent but not extraordinary.

By 2021, the Toyota Highlander already boasted numerous advanced driver assistance systems. Upgraded to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) for the model year, it included features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, alongside road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams.

The Highlander received top safety ratings, including a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.