2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior that echoed the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior or more traditional color schemes. The material quality was top-notch, consistent with Lexus's reputation. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup, though it appeared dated compared to competitors' all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX's interior remained functional and comfortable, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern, somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and slightly kicked-up third-row window gave it a compact appearance, but the interior was spacious with clever storage solutions. The XSE trim, in particular, stood out with its bold red leather interior, unique exterior styling, ambient lighting, and sport-tuned suspension.

The Highlander offered a range of trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. The base L trim came well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims added features like LED fog lights, a power liftgate, synthetic leather upholstery, and a power moonroof. The Limited and Platinum trims offered even more luxury with genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and advanced tech features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree parking camera.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in some competitors. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a respectable time for its class. The ride was generally quiet, though the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a slightly lower combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX also offered an adaptive-suspension system for improved ride quality. The driving experience was smooth and comfortable, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. The transmission featured a tap-shift function and some trims included paddle shifters. The Highlander also had drive modes for Sport, Normal, and Eco, as well as AWD modes for Mud/Sand and Rock.

The V6 engine provided good pickup, especially at highway speeds, and had a surprisingly throaty exhaust note. The Highlander handled well in various driving scenarios, with the XSE trim's sport-tuned suspension reducing body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. The Highlander could tow up to 5,000 pounds and had a max payload of 1,685 pounds in the FWD L and LE trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited. It provided 17.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second row in use, there were 48.4 cubic feet of space, and 16 cubic feet with all seats deployed. The seats were easy to lower and raise, and every trim above the base L came with a power liftgate. The Limited and Platinum trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The Highlander's interior was practical, with deep cargo pockets, multiple storage trays, and cupholders even in the third row. The second-row captain's chairs provided a center aisle to the third row, which was spacious enough for adults on short trips.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. The system was not user-friendly, with functions buried deep in menus and reliance on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy access. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel screen, and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and additional USB ports.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view parking monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights. The lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems were very active, sometimes overly so, especially on back roads.