2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its design was a significant departure from the previous generation, offering a more commanding presence. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra's more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior was available in a cream white-over-black two-tone color scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials 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. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro trim or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, offered a distinct luxury SUV experience. Its upscale appearance set it apart from the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The TX's styling was more conservative than other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a subtler design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. Our test vehicle, equipped with Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950 and included packages like the Convenience and Technology Packages, a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, and more. The interior, though luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn color scheme and black-grained trim. However, the TX 350 Luxury model's interior was generally luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the V8's rumble, the new V6 offered improved towing and payload capacities, with a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency also improved, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. During testing, the Capstone 4WD averaged 17.8 mpg. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The adaptive rear air suspension adjusted ride and handling based on the driving mode, but the ride quality could be busy and jittery in Normal mode. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a swell of torque aiding acceleration. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, slightly better than the old RX L. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD was available for an additional $1,600, offering improved traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior was quiet on the highway, but the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The wide, padded upper door panel shelf provided a comfortable resting place for long drives. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, though taller individuals might find them cumbersome. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat, mounted above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the Sequoia's overall utility was reduced compared to its predecessor.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous Lexus SUV shortcomings with a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury trim featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better comfort than previous models. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row legroom but compromised second-row comfort. The TX provided ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with the second row down.

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 touchscreen on higher trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed user accounts and a guest mode for privacy. The Drive Connect plan included an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests. The Sequoia also had a 10-inch head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a digital rearview mirror. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented accidents.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues with polarized sunglasses were frustrating. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. The TX offered free subscriptions to Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning system's beeping was irritating. The Sequoia had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tundra, on which it was based, received high ratings from IIHS.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), featuring adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance but was not always transparent. The TX also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.