Toyota Highlander vs. Lexus NX 300
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Toyota Highlander and Lexus NX 300 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus NX 300.
When we compare the Toyota Highlander's and the Lexus NX 300's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Lexus NX 300 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Toyota Highlander's and the Lexus NX 300's specifications and ratings, the Lexus NX 300 is a better car than the Toyota Highlander.
Pricing: A used 2021 Toyota Highlander ranges from $25,940 to $40,999 while a used 2021 Lexus NX 300 is priced between $25,779 to $35,999.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value and the Lexus NX 300 loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Lexus NX 300 retains 2.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Toyota Highlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Toyota Highlander’s base engine makes 295 horsepower, and the Lexus NX 300 base engine makes 235 horsepower. The Highlander is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The NX 300 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles.This gives the Lexus NX 300 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Toyota Highlander the advantage in maximum range. The Highlander uses regular unleaded, and the NX 300 uses premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Toyota Highlander and the Lexus NX 300 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
35085
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
32108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27000 - 37580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
37610
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
46345
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
31800 - 73400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33313
Price Range:
25940 - 40999
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
28757
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
22434 - 40434
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1114
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65963
# Good or Great Deals:
418
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
31200
Price Range:
25779 - 35999
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
32726
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
24784 - 49306
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Lexus NX 300 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.7 - 12.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.387
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus NX 300
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
10.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
8.0 - 12.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.245616441293197
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 26.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9485294399263045
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 25.0
Toyota Highlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 16Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
1 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 56Lexus NX 300 Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 28Ranking
46 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Ranking
51 out of / 68Ranking
52 out of / 68Ranking
53 out of / 68Ranking
58 out of / 68Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
L, LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE
Lexus NX 300 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT, Luxury
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
2 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
263 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 28 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
16 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
84.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
157.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4145 lbs
Width:
76 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3940 lbs
Width:
83.9 inches
Height:
64.8 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Blue
Blueprint
Brown
Opulent Amber
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Celestial Silver Metallic
White
Blizzard Pearl
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Nebula Gray Pearl
Silver
Atomic Silver
White
Eminent White Pearl
Green
Nori Green Pearl
Orange
Cadmium Orange
Red
Matador Red Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Graphite
Beige
Not available
Brown
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/Dark Umber Trim
Gray
Not available
Beige
Crème w/Dark Umber Trim
Brown
Glazed Caramel w/Dark Umber Trim
Red
Rioja Red w/Dark Umber Trim
