The brand question
Both testers could scarcely believe that they’d both go for the Highlander if they had to pick one at the end of the day -- with or without considering the price.
When they did contemplate the required dollars for each purchase, the Toyota came out ahead. And even if they considered comparing the top-line $52,450 Hybrid Limited, it still turned out to be a better deal than our as-tested RX Touring. Certainly, if more equipment is desired, the RX is the only way to go.
At the end of the day, although the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid got the nod as the better overall Hybrid crossover from Toyota, they did come to another conclusion: Both are roughly $5,000 overpriced when compared to similar vehicles. These two examples are lacking numerous elements that are available on “lesser” products and this is no longer acceptable.
The bottom line is that these two hybrids are far more alike than their crests would suggest and they are convinced that the Toyota’s emblem holds more weight in this equation.
Notes:
All of the cars in this test scored high safety marks as they are all equipped with stability and traction control, as well as at least six air bags.
All prices are MSRP and exclude all others fees associated with the purchase of a new car, and were correct at the time the review was written.
*Prices exclude sales taxes, A/C tax as well as freight and delivery charges.
Both testers could scarcely believe that they’d both go for the Highlander if they had to pick one at the end of the day -- with or without considering the price.
When they did contemplate the required dollars for each purchase, the Toyota came out ahead. And even if they considered comparing the top-line $52,450 Hybrid Limited, it still turned out to be a better deal than our as-tested RX Touring. Certainly, if more equipment is desired, the RX is the only way to go.
At the end of the day, although the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid got the nod as the better overall Hybrid crossover from Toyota, they did come to another conclusion: Both are roughly $5,000 overpriced when compared to similar vehicles. These two examples are lacking numerous elements that are available on “lesser” products and this is no longer acceptable.
The bottom line is that these two hybrids are far more alike than their crests would suggest and they are convinced that the Toyota’s emblem holds more weight in this equation.
Notes:
All of the cars in this test scored high safety marks as they are all equipped with stability and traction control, as well as at least six air bags.
All prices are MSRP and exclude all others fees associated with the purchase of a new car, and were correct at the time the review was written.
| 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 2013 Lexus RX 450h | |
| Base price* | $43,400 | $56,750 |
| Price as tested* | $49,670 | $60,850 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 2013 Lexus RX 450h | |
| Engine | V6 3.5L | V6 3.5L |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Total system power | 280 hp | 295 hp |
| Power (hp @ rpm) | 231 @ 5,800 | 245 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ tr/min) | 214 @ 4,800 | 234 @ 4,800 |
| Motor Generator 1 (MG1) | Max Voltage : AC 650V | Max Voltage : AC 650V |
| Motor Generator 2 (MG2) | Max Voltage : AC 650V / Max Outpout: 167 hp | Max Voltage : AC 650V / Max Outpout: 155 hp |
| Motor Generator Rear (MGR) | Max Voltage : AC 650V / Max Outpout: 68 hp | Max Voltage : AC 650V / Max Outpout: 67 hp |
| Rated fuel consumption (L/100 km H/C) | 6.6 / 7.3 | 6.7 / 7.2 |
| Observated fuel consumption (L/100 km) | 8.17 | 8.13 |
| Curb weight (lbs/kg) | 4,641 / 2,105 | 4,652 / 2,110 |
| Tire size | P245/55R19 | P235/55R19 |
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