2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport gasoline models, showcased a familiar Lexus design with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior. The F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red interior. The interior boasted excellent material fit and finish, though the center stack design appeared outdated. Despite functional technology like a G-Force meter, some features seemed more gimmicky than practical.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a bold design with a blunt nose and floating roof effect. Its styling, though initially polarizing, became familiar over time. The Highlander offered trims like XSE, Limited, and Platinum with 20-inch wheels, while the hybrid was available in LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The evaluated Highlander Hybrid Limited featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and optional AWD. Despite some quality concerns, the interior offered an upscale two-tone look with leather upholstery and a well-laid-out dashboard, though reflections on the screen were noted.

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 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. The NX offered a smooth ride, though the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The AWD variant had similar numbers but a slightly lower combined rating. The NX featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 243 horsepower. It achieved an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined with FWD and 35 mpg with AWD. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" for transmission. While more efficient than its predecessor, the Highlander Hybrid lacked driving excitement. The powertrain sounded strained under load, and the steering felt lifeless. However, regenerative brakes improved over previous models. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in electric motor torque and EV Mode, offering a quiet freeway ride but struggled with handling on uneven roads.

The Lexus NX offered a comfortable interior with ample room for front and second-row passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats folded in a 60/40 split. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was optional.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided roomy accommodations for front passengers, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third row was uncomfortable with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger blocked access to storage.

The Lexus NX featured an 8-inch standard touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The infotainment system was criticized for being user-unfriendly, relying on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. A Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was optional.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The test vehicle had a 12.3-inch touchscreen with an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons. Driver Easy Speak projected the driver’s voice to rear passengers, and a video rearview mirror provided a clear view behind the vehicle.

The Lexus NX included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with features like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. It received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect offered emergency assistance and collision notification.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, adding intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard from the LE trim. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.