2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level came standard with silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were optional. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, introduced in 2007, received a facelift in 2018, updating its headlights and grille. For 2021, it introduced the Nightshade Special Edition. Despite efforts to modernize, the Sequoia's age was evident, especially in its massive, multi-tiered center dash design reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash. The Sequoia offered ample cabin space, though front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for tall drivers. The second-row seats provided generous headroom and legroom, and the seats throughout were comfortable and supportive. The Sequoia offered various trims, each with unique features, from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum trim.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460's performance was reminiscent of older SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight affected high-speed performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The braking and cornering were also challenging, with low grip and body roll. Despite its traditional SUV driving experience, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package enhanced its off-road prowess. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia's acceleration was robust, even with its weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The driving experience was truck-like, with a lurching V8, soft suspension, and strong brakes. While body roll was present, the Sequoia's wide stance provided stability in corners. It had a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, trailing behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position were reminiscent of driving a bus. The dashboard design offered excellent outward visibility, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX offered three rows of seating, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. However, the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and over 66 cubic feet with it folded. With all rear seats folded, it offered an impressive 120 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sequoia featured a power-retractable rear window, providing convenient access to the cargo area. While front-row space could be better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided ample storage options.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, with two USB ports for the first two rows. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a highlight. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The older infotainment system was user-friendly, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The digital trip computer was small but easy to use, offering a straightforward interface.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. While it lacked advanced features like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive list of standard safety features. However, it scored four out of five stars in NHTSA's rollover test and had not been rated in other crash tests.