Does The New 2020 Toyota Highlander Make The Current Lexus RX Obsolete? 

New Highlander is incredible...still can't match the RXs quietness and refinement...but damn is Toyota getting close! I'll have a video up this week discussing how Toyota is closing that gap with Lexus... Keep up the good work Sofyan

You all are really pumping out the videos during quarantine. I’m having trouble keeping up. Thanks for the hard work!

I hope the next generation Lexus RX won't go the same route as the Toyota Venza only having a hybrid 4 cylinder

We were dead set on buying the 2020 hybrid Highlander, even gave the down payment to get it first when it came out. But my wife drove the Lexus RX450hl and fell in love with it immediately. Needless to say, we got our down payment back and bought the RX450hl.. it drove much nicer, quieter and the interior of the Lexus was much nicer than the Toyota.. the Highlander had the better mpg though, which was the biggest selling case for it.

I own a new RX, would never settle for a Highlander.

People will still flock to the RX because of the badge. It doesn’t matter if the Highlander has more features for a cheaper price, they’d gladly pay for the badge of a Lexus with less options.

This guy is ON IT! .... he provides excellent information without having to listen to a load of filler BS.....thank you and keep up the superb reviews!

You’ve always been highly critical of Lexus, as are other car reviewers with the exception of Savagegeese and AlexOnAutos. There’s always this skepticism of Lexus actually being a luxury car brand because they do things differently than the Euros. But the Lexus way of doing things has proven better than he older luxury brands, in reliability, comfort and safety tech. In short this video shows how good Toyota is, not how bad the Lexus is.

Love your content Redline Reviews, you inspired me to start my own youtube channel. Thank you for motivation.

Another excellent video, thanx! You do great vehicle comparisons

Excellent review! Answered a lot of comparison questions.

The interior of Lexus is much quieter even on camera, the Toyota had some noticeable wind noise coming through the camera.

My parents just jumped from a 2012 to a 2020 Highlander Platinum. Given how far the gap is of course we are blown away with how much the Highlander has evolved. Looking into the Lexus from a customer perspective the extra cost is going to have a few more perks towards the Toyota of course but, it’s not a big difference maker like in the past on quality. However, I will say you will definitely notice the difference in the service department if you jump to Lexus on level of care and that is not a knock towards Toyota it’s just how it is given the luxury game of owning a luxury car. The new Highlander is definitely a worthy upgrade if you’re coming from a first and second gen highlander!

One big difference is The Lexus RX350L* is made in Japan, the Highlander is made in USA. one of the reasons why I still would PICK THE LEXUS ALL DAY

The hylander looks like a suburu to me. I'm fine with most of the rx interior except packaging. Needs a lot better use of interior space. Especially rear seats down cargo room. Moderate engine is fine. Most don't hot rod the rx. Just cruise and see how good you can get the gas mileage. Reliability is important also. One reason you buy a rx compared to a Europen brand. So when it's paid off you still have many trouble free miles.

My aunt got her first Lexus, an ES250, back in 1990 in Albuquerque. Prior to that she had a Mercedes cars. She's had nothing but Lexus vehicles since, ES through the '90's and switched to RX in the mid-2000's. The biggest reason she fell in love with Lexus was the dealer service. They treat her so well and the entire experience is so outstanding, she will never consider any other vehicle.

The highlander just looks goofy next to the RX. I think the RX is gorgeous, although I'd prefer if it had round, bodymatched wheel arches.

Thanks for another great video.

Great videos as always!

Toyota SUVs have gotten quite upscale. I drove a 2020 Highlander XLE AWD as a rental. I thought it actually drove better than my MBZ GLS.

Thumbs up for the new Highlander for all the reasons expressed.

I think highlander has more space but Lexus Is a luxury car with new design an looks luxury in the inside

Excellent review. I appreciate how much depth and clarity you delivered in this review. I have subscribed to your channel. I plan to watch your previous reviews too. I had already narrowed down my search to these two vehicles. One of my most important criteria is having enough legroom in the front and ample comfort in the 2nd row. Have you covered that aspect in the past or do you plan to in the future? Thank you.

Great video, these comparisons are great. Would be cool to see other videos like this especially with cars that are on the same platform such as explorer/navigator, most GM vehicles and Honda/Acura. Trim or engine comparos would be be interesting to hear your takes on if it worth the increase in price.

Keep up the great work man!!

I’d still rather have the Lexus. I like the grill more tbh

So my dad has the RX350 F Sport 2017 and I recently got the 2020 Highlander Platinum White on Brown interior, and everyone in the family loves the Highlander (Prado) better than RX and it’s bigger. The back seats in highlander fits 3 kids super easily. The paint alone is so premium Toyota is definitely stepping up its game.

Great comparison. I like the RX, is for me much more modern and sharp.

We were dead set on getting an RX 350 until we watched this video. Test drove the Highlander yesterday and my wife loved it. Very comparable interior and driving smoothness. I do think there is a bit more tire noise in the Highlander, and we will change tire brands once they have worn down somewhat. I will say there is much more tire noise on her Lexus IS 300 than the Highlander, which bothers me while she doesn't even notice (just turns the radio up).

If I'm honest, it's the L version of the RX that sort of makes it look bad. If it were to be the regular RX350 or RX450h, then it would be great. It's the idea that size matters and they want to jam more people in. Sure, the GX and LX have more space, but they're not as popular as the RX. Thus, it forced Lexus to make a slightly larger RX. Also, some people put reputation as first. There's no escape on that. People buy Lexus because it a more luxurious brand than Toyota. But they want the reliability from Toyota. So they buy Lexus products even if it has a higher price tag Edit: most Lexus products are still made in Japan and only the RX and later on NX are made in Canada. While Toyota do have cars made in Japan. Some of the vehicles aren't actual models in the Asian market such as the Highlander, because that place is taken over by the Land Cruiser Prado (Toyota's Lexus GX)

I really think the Lexus RX looks great. I love the styling, although the grille definitely could be a bit smaller, it doesn't offend me like new BMW grilles do.

The customer base for these cars are different , you go in to buy a Highlander because you want a big reliable family hauler, and you go to buy a lexus because you want a stylish, sleek , luxury cross over. The toyota is a “nice” looking car especially at that trim level, while the lexus is a luxury car and looks like one too. The tech in the lexus and interior needs a big refresh hopefully like the flagship lexus LS500

Hello , which is better for isolation inside rx or highlander?

I have Audi A4 2007 and I have options such as steering adaptive headlights, rain sensing wipers and auto dimming side mirrors. 13 years later you can still see cars for 40-50k $ that don't have these features especially the auto dimming side view mirrors. They go with bigger and bigger screens but don't have these features which are so helpful. I don't understand that. Great review as always btw!

I love how you call out those cheap materials on the interiors of cars.

Great review, I have a RX350, considering a Highlander.

I like the Lexus more

Given how good the highlander is i'm expecting good things for the next gen RX. Don't stuff it up Lexus!

Can you turn off all the beeping from lane keep in Highlander? I noticed it during your drive.

Thanks for reaffirming my like for the Highlander as opposed to paying $10,000 or more for the "L" symbol plus I am a value person as well as a believer in roomiest for traveling comfort. Excellent presentation given by you. Thumbs up.

Babe, you friggin Love Lexus!!! even though you said it was old and outdated you can still tell you worship Lexus... but I did get the feeling that Highlander had more PLUSES at the end of the day which makes me feel great because We just paid $51K for a Platinum HL and We love it!!!! I feel like you approve my purchase.... Now, I need a car!! and you always shoot down the cars that I like when you review them... I'm waiting for your TLX type - S Review... especially when you floor it!!!

Can you do a comparison within a nicely equipped honda accord (or equivalent) and a base 3 series (or equivalent) which one would you get ?

THANK YOU SOFYAN! It’s “HeadS Up Display!” It makes me cringe to hear other reviewers saying “head up display.” 😖😖

Hi! Can you do a review between a base 2020 lexus nx300 vs a 2020 RAV4 top of the line limited? They are at the same price right now.

Would choose the RX for warranty and dealer experience.

It took years, but the Lexus spindle grill finally grew on me. They were one of the first to start implementing massive grills and it was very off-putting at first. Now I actually find that it looks pretty sexy on most Lexus models, but in my opinion it looks best on the LS because it seems more proportionally matched to that larger vehicle. To answer your question, the Lexus definitely has the better looking exterior, but the Highlander certainly looks more modern and luxurious than the price suggests, particularly the interior. The Highlander's exterior does look a bit staid, but it does look MUCH better in person than it does in photos or videos.

I’d rather wait for the Lexus update in 2022 so we can get an apples-to-apples comparison. Something tells me that Lexus has something special planned.

I hate that they removed the opening rear glass. I use it all the time in my current highlander when i have bikes mounted in rear hitch... =( Now you will need to undo the pin on the bike rack to lower it then open the hatch.

If you lease, Lexus monthly payments are within $25-50 a month with similar down payments/equipment. Factor in prepaid maintenance that salespeople typically throw in, and the costs are a wash. I'd do Lexus in this case.

Did you say the rx doesn't have a wireless phone charging pad? My 2018 does. Is it,a chip shortage issue?

just bought the new rx350 and looked at the new highlander. i have to admit, they are nice but for the same price for a highlander loaded limited you still get better upgrades on the lexus side for the same price. you do also get more room in the highlander which is a plus but if you want all around better quality, go with the lexus.

I love my 2020 Highlander.

My intel on that is that Lexus and Toyota are one company, my personal response is that if they felt that the RX would get beat by the highlander then they wouldn’t have made them so comparable which again , I feel like the Lexus RX is more luxurious , refined, prestigious and it’s got other hidden gems that deserve its sale more....besides you can’t compare them , the sale goes to same company either way

6:45 think you meant to say, "you can see a superior vehicle right outside."

Sharp! Never thought Toyota before, now it'll be on my list. How would you compare the top-end Highlander to your favorite Kia Telluride? And oh yeah, the Lexus with that two-tone "swoop" on the upper rear quarter makes it look like a hearse! ;)

I've had my Highlander Platinum for a year. It's fantastic! I actually like it better than my GLE 450 when comparing features vs value for money. Note to Canadians...The CDN version does NOT have adaptive headlights. The headlights are premium LED and on par with those offered on luxury name plates.

Lexus for me 🔥🔥

MDX is extremely outdated inside, Acura needs a new generation ASAP. But MDX still drives amazingly well. New Highlander is definitely a better overall value. TNGA is a great riding platform, but it could use more interior space.

No! Because I just bought the RX 350...

The top trim has wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof on the standard version.

Nice review. Although my wife did and will again go for the Lexus. Why? the dealer experience and it is night and day with Toyota

When we were looking at (and ended up buying) my wife's 2015 Highlander Limited Platinum, the sales manager said quite a few Lexus owners would buy Highlanders because Lexus did not have a good equivalent (this was before the RX350L was available). The RX350L is still too small in the 3rd row in my opinion. I wonder if they will fix that in the next gen.

Good points, beyond "badging" hard to see why Lexus would be the choice unless you want to pay more - both have strong resale value as well.

Even on my smartphone I can tell the Lexus is at least 10dB quieter than the Highlander...

wait for 2022 new generation RX

I like the RX better, inside and out. New Sienna smokes them both 😎

My only complaint is that gloss black in the Highlander. I’ve also always hated the keypad thing in Lexus products. Watching my parents fuss with that has always been hilarious though.

I planned on cross shopping both of them in my search for a midsize cuv

I compared the Highlander Platinum hybrid and the RC 450. I went home with the Highlander.

Sunroofs and wireless charging are available if I’m right

The captains chair option in the rxL actually gives you 1 less seat, rather than 1 more seat. Lets be honest, nobody can fit in the 3rd row. Therefore, you are down to 4 usable seats rather than 5.

The Lexus will feel more plush and comfortable, it’s also more elegant and refined.

My wife was searching for a hybrid SUV with third row seating. She test drove the Lexus RX 450L, and included the new Acura MDX and Lexus GX, even though they are not a hybrids. The decision quickly came down to the RX and Toyota. The RX hybrid was luxurious but felt old and small. The third row was simply unusable in the RX. The Highlander felt updated with all the latest tech, better than the RX. The ride was very quiet and smooth, with excellent low end torque from electric motors. Although it was not quick it felt sprite. In the end she chose the Highlander and saved $12K! Best decision for the money. Lexus has some catching up to do.

That third row reminds me of the old Jeep Commander. A third row only usable for children, cargo space only usable without. They would need a longer wheelbase

Is it bad that I keep staring at the 2 Type R’s in the background? Lol

I’ll take the Lexus Rx350 F Sport or 450h FSport with the red seats over the highlander.

If the can sort out the room in the third row of the rx I would be pretty much happy

Gotta be honest, we switched from a 2019 Lexus RX and went to a 2020 BMW X5 for not much more than we were paying and there’s absolutely no comparison.. quality and tech in BMW is way beyond anything from our previous Lexus.. we also had so many quality control issues with our RX that we ended up giving it back to the dealership.

Lexus has the longer warranty and better service experience

Should try out the sound system

That's a top trim Highlander, if you look at the base model I am pretty sure there's no comparison with the RX.

I considered getting the new Highlander but the bigger size and price tag put me in the arms of a Lexus RX 350 instead.

they're pretty tame compare with their competitors imo. However, Lexus do have their cooperate grill and that kinda their identity. Highlander is playing catch-up on the styling now. Korean car design has improved so is American car (see Blazer, Buick, Escalade, Lincoln, etc, Yukon, Surburban)

My only question is how the isolation compares between two cars is it the same

Highlander should've had LED Turning Indicators, what a shame.

Scotty will keep both! Low key pimp 👹🕺🏼 🚙 ...

RX looks better but im not a big fan of their design. Interior needs a major update.

It's a great competitor to the Acura MDX but it doesn't make the RX obsolete IMO.. the quality difference is noticeable from things like the leather to the actual drive.

Idk why people dislike the wood wheel, It feels better to me than a leather one

Can you compare highlander vs Hyundai palisade?

new highlander's interior is definitely nice but its hard to put my finger on - the RX just seems like a legit luxury interior. think its the wood and design

As soon as he opened the Rx's door you get the wow factor!

The Highlander is a powerful car with a powerful engine and comfortable in bumps, but it lacks internal ground insulation

I would buy the Lexus over the Toyota on looks alone. Lexus looks better to me.

Please do a review on the new Highlander hybrid.

I would much rather recommend a GX if you want a 3 row from Lexus. Although the infotainment is pretty outdated they added new higher res cameras and camera views availble, it has more usable passenger room, is more capable, has more torque, a very solid V8 & 2nd row climate controls and dual screens available ...not to mention all wheel drive and triple beams standard 👌🏽 The RX is better in 2 row form and even then I think it's fallen out of it's midsize class because even the Q5, X3, RDX, QX50 & GLC offer similar size and in some cases slightly more features or power. The RX in 2 row nor 3 row form dare compete with what the new Q7, X5 & GLE offer. The MDX even is slightly more sporty and more dynamic with more features than that of the RX

Well the Highlander is getting more luxurious but I don't think it can still match the RX's uniqueness and refinement, but damn the Toyota is really close, but this is just going to tell us that, the next Gen RX is going to be mind blowingly good.

I like the Highlander but this question is better asked about the new Venza, which will really challenge the current dated RX.

I’ve got a platinum Highlander and my only complaint is no folding mirrors.

What is up with that huge gaping grill on the Lexus?