Lexus NX300h vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 300h | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2021 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,160 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| City MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 21 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 194 hp | 265 hp (best) |
| Torque | — | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 5 (best) | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 53.7 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 1,155 lbs | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 4,180 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 182.7 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 73.6 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 64.8 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Lexus NX300h300h | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Lexus NX300h | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300h $40,160 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 300h Luxury $46,610 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | 300h F SPORT Black Line $46,910 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
Lexus NX300h vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2021 Lexus NX300h vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2021 Lexus NX300h starts lower at $40,160.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2021 Lexus NX300h leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (40,160).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better horsepower: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on horsepower in this comparison (265).
- Which has better seats: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2021 Lexus NX300h or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2021 Lexus NX300h vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).