2011 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lexus IS would be higher. Both 2011 Lexus IS and 2012 Toyota Highlander are equipped with a 3,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (280 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 505 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2012 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Lexus IS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Lexus IS | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lexus | Toyota |
| Model | IS | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1425 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2728 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
