2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 470, with its bold geometric styling. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front fascia a more aggressive look. The hood's design, with its raised sides above the front wheels, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The SUV's profile was characterized by minimal character lines and a low window beltline, enhancing visibility. The GX was available in six trim levels, with the Premium+ expected to be the best-seller. Luxury trims focused on opulence with features like 22-inch wheels and ambient lighting, while the Overtrail trims were tailored for off-roading with 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.

Inside, the GX combined luxury with utility, offering heated and ventilated front seats and a flat, upright dashboard. A 14-inch touchscreen took center stage, complemented by physical controls for off-road features. While not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the GX was a premium SUV built for durability and hard use.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, named after the ranch where its assembly plant stood, built on the Platinum trim with unique features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels and Saddle Tan leather upholstery. The interior boasted open-pore American walnut wood trim and all-weather floor mats. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $62,425 to $83,915. Our test vehicle, equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package, featured a TRD front skid plate, a head-up display, and additional connected services, bringing the MSRP to $85,700.

The Sequoia's exterior, painted in Lunar Rock with black TRD off-road wheels, turned heads despite its rarity on the road. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather contrasted with the black interior, complemented by walnut wood accents. However, the cabin's Toyota-grade plastic detracted from the premium feel, and the TRD Off-Road Package's red accents felt out of place. The aluminum pedals, though, added a touch of style.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive low-end torque, making off-road driving more accessible. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX offered a stiffer chassis for improved stability both on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time four-wheel drive with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured capable off-road performance. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for enhanced wheel articulation.

During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, though conditions were favorable. Despite its weight, the GX exhibited minimal body roll, surprising given its off-road capabilities. Off-road testing was limited due to weather conditions, but the GX's traction management modes and crawl-control systems were promising.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, offering robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, fuel economy fell short, with the test vehicle averaging only 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate.

The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 9,010 pounds, supported by a Tow Tech Package and optional self-leveling rear air suspension. However, the battery pack's placement under the rear seats and the solid rear axle compromised packaging and driving dynamics. The ride was jittery, and the steering lacked feel, though the Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires performed well on pavement. The brakes, however, were difficult to modulate, and fade was an issue during testing.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior embraced a minimalist and sophisticated design, with fewer physical buttons but retaining essential controls. The first and second rows offered ample space for six-foot-tall adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. The third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was tight for adults, with only 31.7 inches of legroom. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with it folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models provided even more space, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though seven or six would be more comfortable. The 1794 Edition's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage. Long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, but cramped parking situations posed challenges. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding functionality. The third row's high floor and low roof made entry and exit awkward, and headroom was limited. With the third row in use, cargo space was only 11.5 cubic feet, expanding to 49 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Drive Connect and Remote Connect services. A 10-speaker audio system was standard, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Five connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions ranging from one to ten years. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system was included. The lack of a tuning knob was a drawback, and the Intelligent Assistant's capabilities were limited. The Sequoia also featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror for added convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in safety features with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and more. However, the lane assist features were sometimes intrusive, causing false warnings. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.