Highlander vs Lexus RX300

If you search my postings on Toyotanation I have had (2) 1985 Tercel 4WD and currently own a 1996 camry Wagon and a 1999 Solara.



I am thinking of selling the Solara and would like to buy the modern Camry wagon as some people call the Highlander, and it would be AWD (I kind of liked the feature on my tercel). When searching the Internet I noticed many postings involving 2001-2003 Lexus RX300 AWD (mostly) and transmission failures. But a similar search on Highlanders reveals very few failures.



If the two vehicles share similar drive lines why is one reported to have more problems?

Reply 1 : Highlander vs Lexus RX300

Probably because all RX300's are V6 AWD, the FWD and all I4 Highlander don't seem to be affected as much. So only 1/4 (theoretically, probably closer to 1/3 from what I see) have that drivetrain. Also, the weight might be an issue. I'm not sure what a HL Limited weighs, but mine was under 3600lbs last time it was on a scale (scrap yard).



I'd agree the Highlander is the Camry Wagon of today. Unfortunately, the advantages inherent to a wagon (fuel efficiency and handling of a sedan) don't really come in the Highlander, or the Venza for that matter. My father has a Matrix that is probably closer to what a Camry wagon should be, and available with AWD/2.4 IIRC. That is a lot smaller (outside and in) though.

Reply 2 : Highlander vs Lexus RX300

Being from the RX300 family, the car came out in 1998 and the first ones came with probably a inherently weak transmission with vicous coupling drive to the rear axle. The highlander when introduced was already a couple of years newer than the original RX.

I suspect also there have been changes in the transmission internally to correct some of th weak points, such as the aluminum planetary gear assembly being replaced with a steel one.

lexus after 2001 seems to have had major decrease in tranny problems...I know because I track them on a couple of lexus sites as well as the NHTS board complaint forum. THe RX I suspect is heavier than the highlander, but not by much. As for build quality the RX is a nice machine...I just sold mine with 188k miles...I purchased a hybrid RX400h which I totally love.

Reply 3 : Highlander vs Lexus RX300

The fuel economies are not that much different Wagon to Highlander as both are V6's (3.0 to 3.0). The penalty is from the AWD.



I like both the RX and Highlander. Price is the ultimate determinate.



If there much difference in reliability between the 2003 and 2005? Given the transmissions and the engines? 3.0 4 speed with OD and 3.3 with 5 speed?

Reply 4 : Highlander vs Lexus RX300

Many in the Edmunds forums have complained about a hesitation in the down- shifting characteristics of the 5 speed auto tranny introduced to the V6 starting in 2004 model year.

Reply 5 : Highlander vs Lexus RX300

I looked at both RX and Highlander - and choose the Highlander. It was a value issue and not a budget issue.



We also liked the looks and feel of the Highlander Limited better than the comparable RX. Maint costs and parts are also much less expensive with Toyota. Don't have anything against Lexus per se, we have a Lexus sedan as our other car.