2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm with its updated hourglass grille, a signature of the Lexus lineup. While the design was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX well, giving it a distinctive presence. The vehicle's decade-old platform, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, emphasized capability over innovation, appealing to those who valued ruggedness. Inside, the cabin retained its early 2010s styling with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found practical for an SUV meant for adventure.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, also showing its age, received a facelift in 2018, which included updated headlights and grille. The 2021 model introduced a Nightshade Special Edition but otherwise remained largely unchanged. The interior featured a massive, multi-tiered dash design reminiscent of the mid-2000s, with a 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash. Despite its size, the Sequoia offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, especially in the second row, though the front seats felt cramped for taller drivers.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While not the most powerful by modern standards, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power. The GX's steering was light yet responsive, and its self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth ride. Off-road, the GX excelled with its 4WD system and various chassis controls, making it a capable vehicle for adventurous drivers. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius, though its fuel economy was a modest 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided strong acceleration, even for a vehicle weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's six-speed automatic transmission was a throwback, holding gears longer under acceleration, which affected fuel economy. The Sequoia drove like a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, offering a confident driving experience. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors in towing capacity.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs and power-folding third-row seats on higher trims. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. With all seats folded, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. Its side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a practical feature for quick access. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage with deep door pockets and a large center console.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a simpler, decade-old layout. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its true touchscreen and large buttons made it user-friendly compared to more complex modern systems.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the dash. The system was easy to use, with straightforward menus and large buttons, though the digital trip computer was small compared to modern displays.

The 2020 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ with features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera, with excellent visibility thanks to large windows and mirrors.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. However, it lacked advanced features like lane-keeping assist and scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA rollover test.