2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly designed SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct look, setting it apart from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" appearance. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior was luxurious yet reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding visual presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The GX's design was sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky styles, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat undermined by the use of plastic materials, though it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units with exclusive paint options. Despite its dated design, the GX maintained a focus on off-road capability, appealing to those seeking a rugged yet luxurious SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 9,520 pounds and carry a payload of 1,730 pounds. It was more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, achieving 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Despite its power, the Sequoia's steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't match the Sequoia's power on paper, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind in fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable handling, and its Torsen limited-slip differential enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather seats, a JBL sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the third-row seating was cramped due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement, and cargo space was limited to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Sequoia's power liftgate window was replaced with a flip-up glass window, and the adjustable cargo shelf lacked a lip, making it less practical for loading heavy items.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space and retained physical controls, which many drivers appreciated. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite these limitations, the GX's interior was functional, with thoughtful features like adjustable armrests and convenient cupholders.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the display suffered from glare. The system allowed for multiple user accounts and included an Intelligent Assistant for navigation. The Capstone trim added a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, but the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player, reflecting its older tech. However, the GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System for improved handling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's Tundra platform received high marks from the IIHS.

The 2023 Lexus GX, though not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, included essential safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date, providing a reassuring level of protection.