2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2020 Lexus RX

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal in a competitive market. The exterior updates included standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to align with Lexus cars, and new paint colors like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear featured a new shape with dual exhaust, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, along with an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX maintained its well-appointed cabin with various interior colors and materials, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added unique styling elements and performance features, while leather-wrapped surfaces provided a premium feel. However, the center stack's dated design was a drawback as the industry moved towards more modern interiors.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, offered a spacious cabin and a new Nightshade Special Edition. The Sequoia's exterior updates from 2018, including the grille and headlights, were subtle and easily overshadowed by its large silhouette. Inside, the multi-tiered center dash design felt outdated, and the standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash. The front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers, while the second-row seats provided ample space. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, each offering various features and packages. The Nightshade edition added black styling elements, while the TRD Pro was designed for off-road use. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia's simplicity and spaciousness were appealing to some buyers.

The 2020 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL had a similar setup but with 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor. The RX's performance was smooth, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for most models. Fuel economy was a strong suit for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX offered various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with additional modes for hybrid and F Sport models.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia's acceleration was robust, despite its weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The driving experience was truck-like, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. The Sequoia could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped with cornering, despite some body roll. The six-speed transmission was a throwback, holding gears longer under hard acceleration, which affected fuel economy.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior was comfortable for four adults in the two-row model, but the three-row RX-L's third row was cramped. The cabin was wide and tall, with comfortable front seats and decent visibility. However, the A-pillar impeded the driver's view of curbs and corners. The RX's cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor. The RX 350L and 450hL had even less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

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 rear seats folded. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. The front-row space could have been better utilized, but the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets and a massive center console. The Sequoia's interior had plenty of storage options, though newer SUVs were more efficient in maximizing space.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system was often criticized, but improvements were made for 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and available 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. The system was still challenging to navigate, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other integrations provided workarounds. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The larger 9-inch screen was available but felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menus and hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but functional, offering a straightforward user experience.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Additional features like daytime bicyclist detection and lane-tracing assist were standard. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect were included, though connectivity issues were noted during testing.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense-P, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Sequoia lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist but offered a comprehensive list of safety features. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test but had not been rated in other crash tests.