Price Battle! 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Lexus TX

Since their introduction just a couple of short years ago, both the Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX have sprung to the top of their respective segments in popularity, hitting the right balance for many families with both practicality and luxury. But for many, who already know they want a reliable family transporter, it’s simply a matter of which Japanese related 3-row to buy: the Lexus TX or Toyota Grand Highlander? So, we figured it would be a great time to revisit this popular cross-shop once again, to answer the question: which is best for you in a 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Lexus TX comparison? Without further ado, let’s dive in and find out! 

Exterior Design

Starting with the exteriors, it’s no secret that these two products are related to one another, and in fact, they’re built on the same assembly line in Indiana. However, they still have their unique design elements! The Toyota goes for a tougher and boxier look, a popular style for many mainstream buyers. Meanwhile, the TX has the more simplified Unified Spindle grille, which is body-colored for a cleaner look. We won’t score the designs but let us know which one you’d pick in the comments!

However, we will score the many features and differences throughout, starting with the headlamps. While the Lexus omits their signature triple beam design, all lighting elements are Projector LEDs on both, including LED fog lamps below.

Next up is the wheels, where our TX as equipped out-sizes the Grand Highlander by 2-inches, with 22-inch alloys versus 20s. We will of course discuss ride quality later to see if this difference truly matters.

At the side, bumper and fascia differences mean that the TX is slightly longer than the GH, but that doesn’t change that each of them are one of the largest in their respective segments. We’ll talk about packaging and space later to see if there are any major differences, though.

And while not a scorable element, keep in mind your tolerance to matte black cladding as the Lexus uses very little throughout.

Length: 203.2-inches (TX) | 201.4-inches (Grand Highlander)

Moving to the rears, the family resemblance continues with identical features, including small upper spoilers, exposed wipers and fully-LED tail lamp clusters. Towing-wise, both models can handle up to 5,000 lbs.

Towing (max): Grand Highlander: 5,000 lbs | TX: 5,000 lbs

While the mirrors on both include heating, blind spot monitoring, and power-folding, only the Lexus includes auto-dimming.

Continuing with the trend of safety, both also include their brand’s latest active safety features. This will include things like Traffic Jam assist function for hand-free driving under 25 MPH, but only the Lexus will have remote smart parking via your smartphone.

There are plenty of differences to discuss in the cabins as well, so let’s get to that.

Interior Design

Walking up to them, each has their brand’s respective key fobs with standard smart entry with remote start capability. Interestingly, the TX has electronic door handles, so the handle itself won’t move when you grab it.

Opening the doors, we are greeted with plush yet practical cabins for the fam. However, the Lexus is the “plusher” of the two, since its seats are covered in high-end semi-analine leather vs. standard leather in the Toyota, and its seats are also 14-way power adjusting with power thigh extension instead of 10-ways.

Regardless though, both have heating, ventilation and memory.

Once inside, we can get into the overall materials and build quality, which we divide into 2 distinct categories. While both are incredibly solid, these two have an interesting use of materials. As equipped, it’s the GH that has more luxurious material selections, with ample use of leather and a faux wood trim. But, when you start to poke and prod at them, it’s the TX with a nicer feeling cabin that’s much plusher, though it only uses a couple inches of real wood on the lower console area. Toyota will take the materials point, and Lexus the solidity point.

After startup, you’ll see 12.3 digital gauge clusters on both, with slightly different graphics. Both also have large head up displays, and moving back, both have leather-wrapped, heated steering wheels. Only the Lexus has power adjustment, though.

Storage and Technology

Now let’s analyze interior storage, which we split into both center console size and additional storage cubbies, which are areas that the Grand Highlander excels in. In the console, the Toyota can fit a full two dozen donuts, with the Lexus three behind at 21. Beyond consoles, they have lots of cubbies and some under-console space, but Grand Highlander also has a large passenger storage shelf. While the Lexus isn’t small by any means, and even has removable cupholders, the Toyota takes the win in both measures.

They have wireless chargers and while we have different style shifters as equipped today, they have identical 360 cameras in reverse.

Moving up the dash, they also share 3-zone climate control systems, but the Toyota is easier to use with full physical knobs and buttons.

Both have physical volume knobs though, so let’s give them a sample. As you might expect, the Mark Levinson system is going to be far ahead of the JBL and has nearly twice the speakers. Simply put, if you care about audio you’ll want the Lexus.

TX: 21-speaker Mark Levinson Pure Play audio

GH: 11-speaker, JBL Premium Sound System

Moving to the screens, the Lexus outsizes the Toyota, with 14-inches over 12.3-inches.

Size aside, they have the newest Toyota infotainment system, with navigation and wireless AA and ACP plus built in navigation.

Finally up top, both models have digital camera rearview mirrors and large panoramic sunroofs.

Rear Seats and Cargo

Perhaps most important are the rear spaces of these two, so let’s see if there are any packaging differences. For the second row of seats, they share the same massive leg and headroom measurements, and even adults will fit with ease.

• Grand Highlander: Legroom: 39.5-inches | Headroom: 38.5-inches
• TX: Legroom: 39.5-inch | Headroom: 38.5-inch

They also pack a lot of features back here, so let’s start with the seats. As equipped, we have reclining, sliding, heating, and ventilated captain’s chairs, for the ultimate passenger experience. If you want bench seating, it is worth noting actually only the TX that offers it on this top trim level.

For the rest of the features, they share vents, USBs, climate controls, sunshades, and removable center consoles.

But only the Toyota includes a household power outlet back here, which requires a different TX model than what we have today.

Now for the third rows! Again, we have the same space figures, which are extremely impressive for their segments. Few manage to even come close to these figures, especially the TX’s competitors.

But there are some differences to discuss. The Lexus opts for 2 wider third row seats, versus three across in the Toyota. That means overall seating capacity can be higher in the Grand Highlander, at 8 people, for those who have maximum friends and family.

Features-wise, both have rear vents, USB ports, cupholders, and reclining abilities. 

• Both: Legroom: 33.5-in | Headroom: 37.2-in

Now let’s open the hands-free power tailgates to check out the large cargo areas. While the Grand Highlander has an ever so slight space advantage, it’s not greater than the 5% difference needed to score a point. This means both will have incredibly spacious cargo areas, at almost 100 cubic feet as a maximum.  

The only thing that’s going to set the TX apart from the GH is the power-folding third row, which makes accessing the additional space a breeze.

Grand Highlander: Behind 3^rd row: 20.6 cu.ft | Behind 2^nd row: 57.9 cu.ft | MAX: 97.5 cu.ft

TX: Behind 3^rd Row: 20.2-cu.ft | 2^nd Row: 57.4-cu.ft | MAX: 97.0-cu.ft

Alright, that’s it for the interiors, so now let’s take this close fight to the streets!

Powertrains

Throughout this comparison, we’ve seen a lot of elements that these platform mates share, as well as differences between them. Under the hoods, we turn back to similarities… mostly. In their base configurations, both the GH and TX are powered by a Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder, making slightly different outputs due to the TX asking for premium fuel. However, the burden of luxury comes in the form of extra weight, so the Toyota is ever so slightly quicker to 60 MPH, though not enough to be noticeable for most.

• Grand Highlander: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 265 hp | 310 lb.ft | 0-60: 7.5s

• TX 350: 2.4L Turbo I-4: 275 hp | 317 lb.ft | 0-60: 7.8s

Paired to the same engine is the same 8-speed automatic, which we find to perform well in day-to-day driving. Our testers both have AWD as equipped.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

Let’s also talk about handling and ride quality. While not all-that-fast, these two hold their own on a backroad considering their size. But ride quality is what truly matters here. Both are some of the best of the best for being smooth and comfortable on most every road condition. In these configurations, neither tester offers adaptive dampers, which means they’re pretty much identical. 

In addition to having comfy rides, let’s talk about the noise levels in the cabins. Once again, they are neck and neck when it comes to being ridiculously quiet, but the Lexus has the edge. It achieved 51.7 dB at 55 MPH, which is just greater than the 1 dB difference noticeable to the average adult.

Grand Highlander: 52.8 dB @ 55 MPH

TX Luxury: 51.7 dB @ 55 MPH

And lastly, for fuel economy, there is hardly a difference when you are sporting the same engine. However, you will be paying more at the pump in the Lexus that requires premium fuel.

• GH AWD: 20/26/22 MPG
• TX 350 AWD: 20/26/23 MPG

Resale & Reliability

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources, and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, these two excel: Toyota takes the number one spot for all vehicle brands 15 spots above industry average, while Lexus takes number 1 luxury brand spot and is 11 slots above average.

Related to that, Lexus ups the luxury with a longer basic and powertrain warranty, though both offer 2 years of complimentary maintenance.

GH: Warranties: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Complimentary Maintenance: 2yr/24k mi

TX: Warranties: Basic Warranty: 4yr/50k mi | Powertrain: 6yr/70k mi | Complimentary Maintenance: 2 visits

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, both do well. The Toyota comes in at a predicted resale percent of 64.50% and the Lexus, as usual with luxury cars, comes in less at 53.8%. That is a roughly 11% difference between the two brands.

Price Assessment

Neither the Grand Highlander nor TX are the cheapest in their respective segments, meaning you might experience some sticker shock at the dealership. As such, the more affordable Toyota comes in at a hair over $60,000 and the Lexus Texas at over $73,000.

Grand Highlander (Platinum AWD): $54,545 | Options: +$2,993 | Destination: $1,495 | Total: $60,633

TX (350 Luxury AWD): $62,390 | Options: +$9,703 | Destination: $1,450 | Total: $73,543

Ultimately, there will be a whopping $12,910 difference in favor of the Grand Highlander.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander vs. 2026 Lexus TX Pick!

So, there you have it! Here are a couple of things to consider when picking each one for you personally:

TX: 

• Extra luxury goodies (power steering wheel, extra seat adjustments, power fold third row)
• Longer warranty coverage
• Audio system

Grand Highlander: 

• Cheaper price (and no premium fuel required)
• Better resale (& reliability)
• More interior storage

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!