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Lexus NX300h vs Toyota Highlander

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Lexus logo

2021 Lexus NX300h

Toyota logo

2026 Toyota Highlander

Overview

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
Selected trim300hXLE
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainall wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typehybridgas
Model year20212026

Pricing & market

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
MSRP$40,160 (best)$45,270
Lowest listing price$9,287 (best)
Median listing price$32,112 (best)
Highest listing price$57,780 (best)
For sale now099 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
Combined MPG31 MPG (best)24 MPG
City MPG33 MPG (best)21 MPG
Highway MPG30 MPG (best)28 MPG
Fuel tank14.8 gal17.9 gal (best)

Performance

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
Horsepower194 hp265 hp (best)
Torque310 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.5 L (best)2.4 L
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
Seating5 seats7 seats (best)
Doors5 (best)4
Cargo volume53.7 cu ft84.3 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity1,500 lbs5,000 lbs (best)
Payload1,155 lbs1,225 lbs (best)
Curb weight4,180 lbs (best)4,376 lbs
Ground clearance6.7 in8 in (best)
Wheelbase104.7 in112.2 in (best)
Length182.7 in194.9 in (best)
Width73.6 in76 in (best)
Height64.8 in68.1 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecLexus NX300h300hToyota HighlanderXLE
NHTSA overall5 / 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 pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone 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.

TrimLexus NX300hToyota Highlander
1

300h

$40,160 MSRP(Currently comparing)

XLE

$45,270 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

300h Luxury

$46,610 MSRP

XLE

$47,020 MSRP

3

300h F SPORT Black Line

$46,910 MSRP

XSE

$47,340 MSRP

4

Limited

$49,725 MSRP

5

Limited

$51,475 MSRP

6

Platinum

$52,925 MSRP

7

Platinum

$54,675 MSRP

Live inventory

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. Live Toyota Highlander listings start at $9,287.
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).