2015 Highlanders have not been released yet. I do not know about 2015 Lexus.

 

Same as 2014s.

 

Why not start the list? Want us to pay for for it too?

 

Highlander seats 7 or 8. RX seats 5.

Highlander was just redesigned in 2014 (no major changes expected for 2015). RX was last redesigned in 2009 (2010 model year) with a mid-cycle refresh in 2012 (2013 model year); next generation expected in mid-2015 (2016 model year).

Highlander has a 6.1" or 8" touch screen display. RX uses a 7" screen with its remote touch controller.

Highlander has a 3-year warranty (5-year powertrain). RX has a 4-year warranty (6-year powertrain).

Whether any of the above is important to you, that's up to you. Personally, having test driven both, I think the Highlander is just as quiet and rides just as well as the RX, but that's very subjective.

 

Comparison of Highlander to RX350

Sorry we weren't clearer about our concerns, which are not cosmetic. They include:
Handling
Pre-collision
Lane Departure
Blind Spot
Back up Camera
Navigation System
Driver Seat Adjustability
Ride comfort
Wind Noise
Reliability
Appreciate your input on any other important features we may have overlooked.

 

Sorry we weren't clearer about our concerns, which are not cosmetic. They include:
Handling
Pre-collision
Lane Departure
Blind Spot
Back up Camera
Navigation System
Driver Seat Adjustability
Ride comfort
Wind Noise
Reliability
Appreciate your input on any other important features we may have overlooked.

HL Platinum has all those features and then some. They all work well and all have come in handy at one point or another. Interior cabin noise is very quiet and it rides great. No problems with exception of the stupid radio eq settings resetting all the time, and for that we just wait for a software update I guess. We love our platinum. New Lexus RX F Sport is pretty cool looking though ;-)

 

Does either have a power rear window for 2015?

 

^...as in the tailagate glass? Its not a 4runner, they don't roll down

 

I never thought I'd rave so much about an instrument panel but the 2014 Highlanders is awesome. I work at the Toyota plant in Cambridge, Ontario (we make the Rx350) and one of my jobs is the inspection of the 350's instrument panel. Its soooo out of date, bland compared to the Highlander. The Joystick for the navi feature is kind of cool, but for interior comfort and fit and finish the Highlander can't be beat for the money you would save.
The redesigned 2016 350 though will have similar interior similarities (especially the instrument panel) as the Highlander.

Hope that helps.

 

Even though the cluster on the Highlander is nice, I actually consider it just so so compared to other new cars. Most are now focusing on large LCD screens that can literally display anything and everything. Perfect example is the 14+ Grand Cherokees. That gauge cluster is amazing! Its just a huge screen, with a few analog gauges on the outer sides. I so wish the Highlander took things to the next level, but it's nice and does the job, plus it's the wife's. I suppose Toyota has always been pretty conservative with its styling and technology.

 

Highlander is larger in every single dimension.. period.

 

True, but only slightly: 2" wider; 3" longer; 2" longer wheelbase; possibly a bit taller (?).

To me, the biggest difference is in price. A new RX will cost substantially more than a HL Limited Platinum if the RX is equipped with comparable features.

Plus, we think the HL has much more cargo room than the RX. BTW- we now own a 2010 RX and are considering replacing it with a new HL.

 

I just bought a 2015 Limited Friday.
I used to have a 2008 LS460 so had a chance to drive RX's as loaner cars while LS was in the shop.
I think the RX may be a 'little' quieter on the road, but the HL holds its own in ride quality and features and better dollar-for-dollar 'cept for warranty differences.

 

This comparison is a bit off IMO. If you need the space, buy a HL. If not, buy the RX. Though I would much rather have a low-mileage X5 than a RX. Reliability is eh, but they are leagues apart in everything else.

 

The Limited Highlander has far more 'luxury' features than any RX does. If the Highlander only had HID headlights, there would be very little pulling me towards the RX unless I wanted something smaller.

 

If anything, it would be easier to swing a better deal on a RX right now than a Highlander; folks bought a 13 RX back in 2012 for under invoice (obviously, the main driver is my mom), which still many Toyota dealers will not do for their Highlanders. However, I still think that some guys still find the RX a little feminine compared to the HL.

 

highlander is bigger and mo dope looking. rx is fuh da wifey. highlander got 3 rows so way mo seats for da honeyz. duh.

 

If you are considering RX, and you really don't need a third row and can tolerate a little less cargo space, take a look at a Jeep Grand Cherokee or the new Cherokee. I would only lease, not buy, due to potential long term reliability concerns.

Leased a 2015 Cherokee Latitude 4x4 for my wife, $500 due at signing, 15k miles per year, 39 month lease, $365 per month including 6% Michigan sales tax.

It will be very interesting to see how the Jeep compares to our 2011 Highlander. I fully expect reliability issues with the nine speed auto trans.

The value on this $29k Latitude model is unreal at $365 per month lease.

271hp V6, 8" touchscreen, heated everything including steering wheel, seats, windshield and mirrors, Bluetooth, Jeep 4wd system, keyless passive entry, push button start, power liftgate, backup camera with movable grid lines and on and on

So far our 2011 Highlander has had a transmission replaced due to a whine, oil cooler leak, failed rear hatch, diff leak and a dash rattle. All covered under warranty now at 62k miles

First ever Jeep and fully expect problems especially with brand new model, transmission and engine. That's why we leased and will return under warranty. The value is unreal and I'll keep you posted on problems as compared to our Toyota.

Here's to hoping I won't have to Lemon law the Jeep.

Any bets on whether the Jeep will be more or less reliable than our Highlander for first 36k miles? (All Highlander problems occurred under 40k and were well known TSB issues)

 

Tag - I keep asking myself why I don't lease?! I probably drive about 17k a year... but based upon your lease agreement....here's the deal with my 14 Highlander:

I put 17k down on a purchase of a Limited with Tech Package, Tow Package, and OEM running boards..... my 4 year payment is roughly $570 per month.

What kind of options did the Jeep have? Was it a 4X4?

I feel like I could have a new vehicle more often.... without the HUGE down payment capital investment..... AND have lower monthly payments?

What is the downside???? Makes me want to lease.

Edit: Sorry Tag - skimmed your post... and missed the options you listed. Does it have leather and a moonroof? How would you compare the interior 'noise db level' verses the Highlander.... if you've had a chance to drive a 14 HL? How about handling and ride comfort? Thanks.

 

I too used to drive a RX350 for many years and loved it. I ended up buying an Highlander Limited AWD. I deeply regret this. After having the vehicle for over three months (1,029 Miles) I see areas/problems that I didn't see when purchasing. This was all my fault but I would go and drive both vehicles more than a couple of times day and night if possible. Previous comments should be taken into consideration. I'll trade back to Lexus within the year without any concerns.

 

can you elaborate or do you work for lexus?

 

Completely subjective - and I am sure many would disagree, but since 'appearance' IS a decision in an automobile purchase, I'd have to say that I personally think the Lexus is butt-ugly. For sure less visually appealing than the Highlander.

That is not to say some things about the Highlander escaped someone with an eye for the aesthetic..... but comparing the two, that would be my opinion.

 

Oops - never mind Tag. I was thinking the Latitude was a the bigger Jeep SUV - I may have mistook it for the Laredo.

That would be too small for me... and honestly - don't like the looks. But now I can understand the price differential..... it's probably more in the category of the Ford Escape, and Toyota Rav4 for size.... which if I was shopping that size, I'd be more inclined to go for the Rav 4. Like the looks a lot better plus the reliability history.

Let us know how you like the Jeep over time.... it will be a good comparison between a domestic and the Toyo's.

 

Hey, rpd700,
As one who is contemplating buying a 2015 Highlander, I am curious about your comments. Looking back, I see you have had a few very specific complaints about yours, but in this post, your opinion appears to be pretty strong. Most automobile forums are full of people who are unhappy with their vehicles. One of the things attracting me to the Highlander is the relative lack of complaints from owners in these forums. You clearly feel differently than most of the posters in this forum. It would be helpful to those of us still looking if you would be willing to expound on the things that have soured you on the current Highlander. Thanks for any further comments you might share.

 

Hey rpd700! Me too! As another prospective 2015 Limited Platinum buyer, And a current RX350 owner, I would sure like to know what specific "areas/problems" you now have that are causing you to have such buyer's remorse. I'll also agree that so far, most of the complaints I have read on this forum seem to be about the Entune head unit which is shared with other Toyotas (like our 4Runner) and with Lexus. So what's up?

 

Toddsta,

I've always been a domestic hater and a Japanese fanboy.

The Cherokee is smaller than the Grand Cherokee. I have two boys aged 6 (twins) and it fits us fine. I'm 6'. The rear seats slide and recline.

I have to say after the first week I'm amazed at the interior quality. This is Chrysler/Fiats brand new chassis, new Pentastar 271hp v6 and nine speed auto so they have a lot riding on it.

Ours is a very low end model but has heated seats, steering wheel, power liftgate and Jeeps four wheel drive system which is better than the wimpy AWD system in the Toyota

The interior quality is unreal as the steering wheel is thick and leather but not cheap plastic Toyota leather

Overall I am floored by how nice of a vehicle the 2015 Cherokee is. I think the exterior is wonky and not attractive

The jury is out on reliability but I expect problems which is why I leased

I regret not checking out Jeep before because they have a lot going for . them. Go check one out and don't totally ignore the competition like I did

Jeep is selling all they can make I think 135k so far and it is already the best selling JEEP. Let's hope the nine speed auto doesn't explode!!

Xherokkcompetition is dong


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Tag - hope your new purchase brings you many trouble-free miles. A business contact I deal with just bought a new Jeep like yours also.... he really likes it so far, but it's pretty new yet too. If I hear of any major complaints, I will let you know. So far, so good though.... and it seems to get decent reviews from what I have read.

 

1,029 miles on the odometer after 3 MONTHS of driving??

That isn't driving....that is taking it out for a walk on Sundays. You only put about 5k miles on a car a year?

There are things I don't like about the HL....but I don't think it rises to the level if dissatisfaction that you describe.

Can you please list the problems you are experiencing? Maybe we can help save you the cost of depreciation loss on your pirchase and the upcharge, and sales tax again incurred by moving to a Lexus - when the HL seems, to me and most reviewers to be almost Lexus quality.