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Lexus RX 350 versus Toyota Highlander Limited?

19 messages,  Last post on Aug 22, 2009 at 9:51 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 300, Lexus RX 330, Lexus RX 350, Toyota Highlander, Car Comparisons, SUV

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#1 of 19 RX350 versus Highlander Limited? by sriss Oct 06, 2008 (3:06 pm)
I've been researching the Lexus for a couple of months now. I want a 2009 and even rode in a friends 2008 last week. I liked everything but the front dash. I don't like the navagation system (big square right in the middle of the dash). Anyway I started comparing the RX350 with the Highlander Limited and they don't seem too different, except of course the Lexus is a "step above". I'm wondering if any of you thought about the Highlander before you bought the Lexus? I have also heard the Lexus will be re-tooled in 2010 and look more like the Highlander...shape wise. I appreciate any and all replies. As you can see I'm on the fence! Thanks, Suzq Replies to this message: player4 (Oct 07, 2008 9:06 am) systembuilder (Jul 24, 2009 9:50 pm) la4mead (Jul 24, 2009 10:30 pm) and 1 more... typesix (Jul 25, 2009 5:52 pm) maximafan (Nov 17, 2008 10:08 pm) bob259 (Feb 25, 2009 6:31 am) jerry116 (Jul 25, 2009 11:40 pm) berri (Jul 31, 2009 11:05 am)
#2 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [sriss] by player4 Oct 07, 2008 (9:06 am)
Replying to: sriss (Oct 06, 2008 3:06 pm) I really dont see any major diffs between the two, other than the 3rd row seat and the wood steering wheel and the HID's?? Oh and the L in the grille and hatch haha. The RX is getting a full redisign for 2010 so when it comes out we will see more differences but till then if you are debating between the two and $ is a factor, go for the HL but if $ is not an issue then why not go for the RX? Replies to this message: systembuilder (Jul 24, 2009 9:50 pm) la4mead (Jul 24, 2009 10:30 pm) wwest (Jul 25, 2009 5:47 am) typesix (Jul 25, 2009 5:52 pm)
#3 of 19 by patriot21 Nov 16, 2008 (6:33 pm)
I have priced leases out on both and currently the Lexus is cheaper to lease than the Highlander hybrid (by quite a bit). I got $495/mo on the rx and $719/mo on the highlander.
#4 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [sriss] by maximafan Nov 17, 2008 (10:08 pm)
Replying to: sriss (Oct 06, 2008 3:06 pm) Gosh, I hope the shape of the next RX doesn't look like the Highlander. I still like the shape of the current RX over the Highlander.
#5 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? by banx Jan 17, 2009 (4:31 am)
The Rx 350 now has a $5K manufacturer to dealer incentive until 2 weeks from now, according to Edmunds. I just bought an '09 RX350 awd with various options (no navigation) for $34.6K and that was $950 under Edmunds' TMV for this vehicle. What I paid was only $200 over the TMV for a similarly equipped Highlander Limited awd w/options. The Lexus also has a better warranty at 4 yrs, 50K miles. As "player4" noted, you may want that 3rd row seat that the Lexus doesn't have. Another costly difference may be the octane requirement. The '09 Lexus manual states use only 91 octane - there's nothing about using anything lower. Edmunds states the Highlander uses regular fuel, even though both vehicles use a 3.5L engine with 270 hp. The Lexus has 3 more ft-lbs of torque which is negligible. The Lexus curb weight is 4090 lbs while Highlander Limited is 4321 lbs, so the Toyota may get worse mileage in the real world due to the extra weight, despite the EPA estimates. The Lexus awd has a viscous center differential while the Toyota's is mechanical. I got the 18 in wheels on the Lexus while the Toyota has 19 inch wheels - a larger wheel tends to make the ride worse. The Toyota allows you to manually open the rear hatch window (Edmunds features), but the Lexus window is fixed. The Lexus has 3/4" less front leg room and 10 cu ft less cargo room than the Toyota. The Lexus is smaller in many dimensions than the Toyota crossover, hence the Toyota has more cargo space, payload, ground clearance, and a wider turning circle than the Lexus. Replies to this message: sriss (Jan 17, 2009 7:05 am) wwest (Jan 17, 2009 10:22 am) markr346 (Jan 17, 2009 1:55 pm) xGuessWhox (Jan 18, 2009 4:33 pm) jiamin (Aug 01, 2009 7:55 am)
#6 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [banx] by sriss Jan 17, 2009 (7:05 am)
Replying to: banx (Jan 17, 2009 4:31 am) Thanks to all who posted. I have some research and I have an idea that I will be buying the 09 Highlander Sport. The reasons I think it's a better deal (and the right car for me) is: I am not getting the 3rd row seats. There is an option to have them removed and a credit lowers the price, I LOVE the idea that I can use regular fuel in it, the design (I finally have gotten use to it) looks "simular" to the new design on the new 2010 Lexus (of course I've only seen pictures), and from everything I've read I can have exactly the same features and options for an overall lower price. I road in a friends Lexus and hated that big navigation screen in front...and I really don't need that anyway. And finally I think the resale value will hold as good or better than the Lexus in the future.   I'm one of those people who has very low miles on their car and keeps a car for many years (5-10) and since this will be my car right before retirement I hopefully will hold on to it for awhile. So my reasons for my choice may not be like others.   I can only hope that Totota comes out with a sweet deal in the next month or so. I'm planning on my purchase in the next 2 months.
#7 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [banx] by wwest Jan 17, 2009 (10:22 am)
Replying to: banx (Jan 17, 2009 4:31 am) I would be really surprised if somewhere in the owners manual it doesn't say fueling with regular is not, will not be harmful. Almost modern day vehicles use the newer wideband knock sensors which allow for the mixture being enriched slightly with the use of 87 octane.   Viscous Clutch vs not.....   The '99 & 2000 F/awd RX300's had a VC and actually relied on it for partial, rubber-bandish, locking of the otherwise full open center diff'l. By '01 VSC and TC were added to the RX300 thereby, with TC, making the VC virtually non-functional. Although marketing contended otherwise the VC was dropped altogether for the entire RX330 model run. The RX350 is supposed to have a VC but none of the Lexus shop/repair manuals indicate so.   If you read the factory information on TC it will be pretty obvious that a VC would be pretty much non-functional even if installed.   But for the 2010 the RX center diff'l is being dropped in favor of an automatic PART-TIME engagement of rear drive using an electric clutch as is used in the new Venza and in past years in the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
#8 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [banx] by markr346 Jan 17, 2009 (1:55 pm)
Replying to: banx (Jan 17, 2009 4:31 am) I own both. BIG difference for me in the Highlander advantages over RX is driver's seat ... I hit my head on the roof (with moon roof) on RX, whereas I have plenty of headroom in the Highlander - plenty. I'm 6' 1". Also, the Limited Highlander has a driver's seat option that lifts up the front of the seat for better leg support - RX doesn't (at least mine doesn't). Hence, driving for me is more comfortable in the Highlander. I would bet both are fixed in the 2010 RX ... if they don't they will miss the mark for many drivers. In the end, they are both good vehicles and well built. Lexus has the better warranty - no doubt. BTW - I run 89 E-10 in both - NO knocking, no problems. Replies to this message: xGuessWhox (Jan 18, 2009 4:33 pm) jiamin (Aug 01, 2009 7:55 am)
#9 of 19 Re: RX350 versus Highlander Limited? [markr346] by xGuessWhox Jan 18, 2009 (4:33 pm)
Replying to: markr346 (Jan 17, 2009 1:55 pm) If you don't mind a little more road noise and the red circlular display light color for the speedometer, i'd say the highlander definitely provides better bang for the buck. cargo space really sux on the RX350. the only thing that it's got going for it is that its appearance/styling is preferred by many soccer moms and grannies. sure, the sales and service dept at lexus might kiss your arse better and cookies/water may be free, but for the best return per $, i'd choose the highlander.
#10 of 19 RX Better by scygig Feb 24, 2009 (5:04 am)
I currently own a 04Rx and a 05HL. I find the seats/interior better in the RX and the extra Lexus features a plus. I don't have Nav in either so you can get one without one pretty easy. My next purchase will be a used Lexus certified to get the extended warranty. Since my RX has 107K miles on it, I had a major tuneup; belts, plugs, brakes, etc. at my local Toyota dealer at less cost. I expect to get another 4-5 years on it.

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