lexguynj

I was at my local Toyota dealer today checking out the vehicles on the lot. I saw the new 2003 4runner, which looks beautiful and I also viewed the Highlanders they had on the lot.

Obviously this is a Lexus Forum (I am also a proud Lexus owner of a GS), however is anyone with me on this one, that the Highlander's squared off look, actually looks better than the RX300?

Everyone has their own preference of course, but when I saw the fully loaded Highlander Limited, with the running boards and the works, that truck looks so good! I like the squared off look from the front and the rear as opposed to the RX300's rounded shape overall.

IMO, the design of the Highlander looks more rugged and sportier. I just like the look of it better than the RX300. Maybe the next gen RX300 will look as good or better than the Highlander.

Sure a loaded Highlander can get up there in price with the RX300 and the Lexus has the NAV option for now (they are both still very comparable to each other), when the Highlander does not, however the Highlander still looks sportier in my opinion and I am wondering if anyone is thinking the same and chose a Highlander over a RX300 or will do so in the future?

Another factor which maybe minor to all of you is that the next GEN RX300 will be built in Canada and I believe the Highlander will still be built in Japan. Most of you will think and say, hey it's still Toyota quality, but it's still different to others. Did you hear that the Camry is now downgraded in Consumer Reports to average instead of it's long standing high reliability status? Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't they building the new ones in KY these days?

Maybe the RX300 is just way overdue for a major redesign. It truly gives you the best compromise between a car, station wagon, minivan and SUV, which is most appealing.

I hope they put the new 4runner V6 in the next gen RX300 & Highlander, both these vehicles are due up for more power in a bad way!

lexguynj

Looks great!

lexguynj

Or why not the new 2003 4runner for only a couple thousand more and an incredible V8 engine?

jimmit

The new 4Runner looks awesome and was really in need for that much needed look. I think its just one of the coolest looking SUVs now. The Highlander is nicer looking in the back but for some reason the front is really a major donwside for me. Overall its a great shape and everything but I see a little too much Rav4 in it. I never really liked the shape of the Rav4 it makes the Highlander seem smaller than it is. Just my opnion tho. I think both 4Runner and Highlander are great cars. Personally, I'd wait for the next gen RX to come out and make a decision after that.

SilverLS400

the highlander looks to plain....just an upscale rav4. Anyhow the 4runner....wow!! thats the design i have been waiting for. Looks so vicious. I would take the 4runner over anyother suv in the market. I would surly take the 4runner over the rx3.

Handogen

I would rather buy a base model RX300 than a fully loaded Highlander.

I prefer the rounded more sleek looking RX300. To each his own, however!

You know chicks dig the Lexus... hehe

But in all seriousness, you probably can't go wrong in either vehicle. I bought my RX for looks, quality and one of the slowest rates of depreciation around. There's nothing like driving around with equity!!

Hando

Daddy-O

Here's a link to an earlier thread that a new Highlander owner posted in the RX 300 forum.

The "oooh factor"...Still breaks me up.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=51484

SW03ES

I think the Lexus has a lot more presence and image, its much more elegant. I've never thought of the Highlander as expensive, it looks like a cheaper car than it is whereas the RX (like most Lexuses) looks more expensive than it is. I've always felt the Highlander looked in the class of the Rav4, CRV etc.

lexguynj

I was looking at the Highlander again at the dealer and you're right. The Lexus brand name and reputation goes a long ways. The Highlander looks great and it's a great Toyota Product, but now all I can think about now is the next gen RX330 coming out, as I view those spy shots my fellow CL members were kind enough to post.

Lexmexico

At my local Toyota dealer here in Mexico (we do not have Lexus, yet), the number one question the dealer receives is when are they going to get Lexus? Question number 2, when you get Lexus, will you have the new RX300 or do we have to wait like the others outside the U.S.? The salesman responsed, we are getting the Highlander, and when shown the picture, almost 90% said they were not interested, too boxy.