2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold redesign, merging the rugged aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a more refined SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra's unique look. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the upscale Capstone trim. A 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, but some materials reminded users 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. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to other trims for enhanced capability.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus GX 550 embraced a geometric design, moving away from the softer lines of its predecessor. The spindle grille was less pronounced, flanked by triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's front end stood more vertically, giving it an aggressive look, while the hood's design aided off-road visibility. The GX's profile was sleek, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX offered six trims, with the Premium+ expected to be the bestseller. Luxury trims focused on opulence, while Overtrail trims emphasized off-road prowess. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds and improved fuel efficiency, achieving up to 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. The adaptive rear air suspension adjusted ride quality based on the driving mode, but the ride could be jittery on uneven surfaces.

The 2024 Lexus GX replaced its V8 with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Built on the GA-F platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for stability on and off-road. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system for enhanced off-road capability. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Off-road testing was limited, but the GX showed promise in handling rugged terrain.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. It featured a JBL sound system, triple-zone climate control, and power-deploying running boards. However, the third-row seat was cramped due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement, and cargo space was limited, with a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet. The Sequoia's utility was compromised compared to its rivals.

The 2024 Lexus GX offered a minimalist interior with essential physical controls. It provided 41.2 inches of front legroom and 36.7 inches in the second row, but the third row was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, with up to 90.5 cubic feet in Overtrail models. It compared favorably to competitors like the Land Rover Defender 110, offering more cargo capacity and a spacious interior.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new infotainment system with an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for driver accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional bugs. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad. It offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect services. The GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, but subscription costs applied after a three-year trial. The Luxury and Overtrail+ trims featured a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's platform shared high ratings with the Tundra.

The 2024 Lexus GX improved its safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and more. The GX's modern architecture and advanced driver assistance systems enhanced its safety profile, though crash test ratings were pending.