Sean2202

So please correct me if I am wrong or misinformed but I heard that the RX350 shares many drive line components with the highlander. So reading up on the highlander on toyotanation and I see that the highlander has gen 1 (01-07) gen 2 (08-13) and gen 3 (14+). The RX gen 3 overlaps with highlander gen 2&3. So if if the Rx does share components which gen of the highlander would it share from? I have 13RX350 f-sport.
Thanks for the help.

F250

If you go back an re-read your post, I think you answered your own question. As you stated, the '13 RX is Gen3 in the RX family. The Highlander Gen2 covers '08-'13 years. Therefore, your '13 Gen3 RX falls within the Gen2 Highlander family, unless I'm misreading what you posted. In other words, your RX does not fall into the overlap range of years between the RX and Highlander lines, so the overlap issue is a moot point.

Sean2202

F250 I understand what you are saying. So the 14 RX chassis is different from the 13 apparently? Here is where I am puzzled , if it falls in that generation, wouldnt most of the chasis components be similar? I know interior and exterior do have some updates. Interesting if what you say is true. A "luxury" SUV introduced in 2010 and 2016 is based on a two year old highlander chassis?

F250

Well, to be honest, I was just sort of regurgitating what you posted initially in terms of the year models. It may well be that the chassis components between generation changes may be the same and actually have change dates within any particular "generation" as a slight "upgrade" prior to a completely new generation.

There are multiple guys in here who have dealt more with chassis and suspension issues than I, and I'm sure they will soon chime in with more factual knowledge.

Clutchless

Toyota usually introduces a new design first as a Toyota and then later as a Lexus version. Thus the new gen 2008 Highlander then the 2010 RX. The new gen 2014 Highlander then the new RX a year or so later. Maybe they want to get the bugs out of a new design before putting the Lexus name on it or want more time to refine the Lexus version.

The Highlander shares most if not all drive train components with the RX. Engine and transmission, transfer case and rear differential are the same. Front suspension is the same.

However the gen 2 Highlanders have a strut rear suspension and the gen 3 RX has shock absorbers in the rear instead as Lexus wanted to provide more interior room in the back. Struts with the spring built in on the top are much taller than a separate shock and spring suspension which intrudes into the sides of the rear cargo area. Thus the rear suspension towers can be much lower, allowing more room in back. Also the wheelbase and track may be stretched a bit in the Highlander, but I have not compared the specs. I know the front struts are the same for both vehicles.

FYI the Lexus NX is based on the RAV4 and the ES350 is based on the Avalon, although it used to be based on the Camry.

JDR76

The RX and Highlander both use the Toyota K Platform. The K Platform is used by the Highlander, RX, Camry, Sienna, Avalon, and ES (and previously the Venza).

The platform is the basis and starting off point, then each model gets "tweaked" to make that platform work for the specific application - for example, the added length of a Highlander or Sienna over a Camry or Avalon.

So while the RX and the Highlander both use the K Platform, it can be hard to line up one gen versus another, as they each still have individual differences to suit the particular vehicle.

vlad_a

I thought Highlander trailed the RX in its implementation, hence a justification for a higher price tag on the RX, not the other way around. At any rate, same car, different suit.

tus

When it comes to what parts are compatible, while using the different generations of the platforms gives you a starting point, you really need to get down to a specific part and the individual years.

Marqevans

I just passed two years leasing a 2015 RX 350 and owning a 2015 Highlander Limited. They are both great cars! They ride somewhat differently with the Highlander riding a bit higher and a bit quicker on acceleration and a bit floatier ride. One of these days I will get around to a more detailed comparison. I did a few posts on this when I first acquired them.

JDR76

I'm in a similar situation. I went from a 13 RX to a 16 Highlander. The RX actually felt more floaty to me but that may be because my Highlander is a hybrid with the added weight. I agree, both are great cars. There are things I liked better about the RX, and things I like better about the Highlander. I would strongly recommend either for anyone in the market.

tqh

Clutchless, as you say the front suspension is the same, do you think I can replace the front struts of a 2015 RX with the front struts of a 2nd gen highlander? I figure the highlander is lighter so I can hopefully get a floatier ride in a 2015 RX? Thanks.

Clutchless

The front struts are interchangeable. However you need to compare part numbers if getting OEM struts. They are different for Japan built and Canada built RXs. I do not know if the Highlander has different part numbers. If you want a floatier ride try the KYB struts as others have installed the KYB shocks in the rear and said they gave a smoother ride. Look at their application guide as they list the same part numbers for both vehicles for the front struts. KYB struts and shocks have a better durability/quality reputation than the OEM Tokico brand struts/shocks.

http://www.kyb.com/catalog/

lexus114

Eeeh? how can that be possible? its the same drivetrain? unless the highlander isn't awd or a lot lighter/...

JDR76

Most 0-60 times I have seen show the RX is a few tenths more fleet to 60.

For 2013 RX350:
0-60mph: 7.0 seconds (Car and Driver)
0-60mph: 6.9 seconds (Motor Trend)

For 2014 Highlander V6:
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds (Motor Trend)
0-60mph: 7.3 seconds (Car and Driver)

Even though I've owned both, I can't really compare on personal experience as my RX350 was gas and my Highlander is a Hybrid, resulting in a very different feel overall.

Marqevans

i think it's more noticeable on lane changes or merging than on start ups. I don't drive the Highlander as often and it just might be my perception. There seems to be a slight hesitation when punching the RX. It could be the slightest difference in transmission manufacturing.