2- 2013 Lexus RX450h (76.5%)
A staple in Lexus’ lineup, the RX is always a favourite with us at Auto123.com. Because of this, we had little doubt that the Highlander was going to outscore it, if even by a few points, but it did.
Completely renewed for the 2010 model year, the 2013 Lexus RX continues to be the brand’s bestselling nameplate, and this by a massive landslide. This reality comes down to the fact that the RX can do it all, and look really good in the process.
And well-styled the Lexus RX is. Without being too obnoxious, the RX has enough of a visual impact that it will not be mistaken for a regular Toyota. Although not huge fans of Lexus’ recently introduced family fascia, it does wonders for the product’s image.
The cabin is a real mixed bag of hits and misses. The front seats were hands-down one of the few winning elements in the RX. Fit and finish was also a notch above those found in the Highlander. The remainder was on par with the Toyota or, unexpectedly, below those of its un-identical twin.
The RX’s dashboard design is a near complete fail. It’s clearly the result of someone trying way too hard to be hip, but coming up short. The compact HVAC cluster of controls is the only part that works.
The gauges are plain, lacking content and decades behind those found in any other hybrid -- any. Lexus’ Remote Touch interface is another example of the company overextending itself. We say stick with a wheel and a few buttons and all will be content -- including us.
The drive also differs from one to another. The 2013 Lexus RX’s steering is heavier and sportier, to use another subjective. Ride quality is excellent, comfortable, and poised. The Lexus includes a layer of velvet not found in the Highlander that explains only in small part the extra coin demanded by the Lexus.
A staple in Lexus’ lineup, the RX is always a favourite with us at Auto123.com. Because of this, we had little doubt that the Highlander was going to outscore it, if even by a few points, but it did.
Completely renewed for the 2010 model year, the 2013 Lexus RX continues to be the brand’s bestselling nameplate, and this by a massive landslide. This reality comes down to the fact that the RX can do it all, and look really good in the process.
And well-styled the Lexus RX is. Without being too obnoxious, the RX has enough of a visual impact that it will not be mistaken for a regular Toyota. Although not huge fans of Lexus’ recently introduced family fascia, it does wonders for the product’s image.
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| Completely renewed for the 2010 model year, the 2013 Lexus RX continues to be the brand’s bestselling nameplate, and this by a massive landslide. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |
The cabin is a real mixed bag of hits and misses. The front seats were hands-down one of the few winning elements in the RX. Fit and finish was also a notch above those found in the Highlander. The remainder was on par with the Toyota or, unexpectedly, below those of its un-identical twin.
The RX’s dashboard design is a near complete fail. It’s clearly the result of someone trying way too hard to be hip, but coming up short. The compact HVAC cluster of controls is the only part that works.
The gauges are plain, lacking content and decades behind those found in any other hybrid -- any. Lexus’ Remote Touch interface is another example of the company overextending itself. We say stick with a wheel and a few buttons and all will be content -- including us.
The drive also differs from one to another. The 2013 Lexus RX’s steering is heavier and sportier, to use another subjective. Ride quality is excellent, comfortable, and poised. The Lexus includes a layer of velvet not found in the Highlander that explains only in small part the extra coin demanded by the Lexus.
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| The gauges are plain, lacking content and decades behind those found in any other hybrid -- any. (Photo: Miranda Lightstone) |