2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was a luxury vehicle based on the Toyota Grand Highlander platform. Yet, Lexus succeeded in ensuring the TX stood out as an upscale SUV. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which bore similarities to a large RAV4, the Lexus TX carried a more refined and elegant appearance. Our test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased impressive 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive upgrade that significantly enhanced its visual appeal.

The design of the Lexus TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, presenting a conservative style that bordered on being anonymous. However, if previous Lexus aesthetics had been a turn-off, the TX was the perfect balance, offering a more neutral design. The 2024 TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid. Price tags ranged from $55,050 to $69,350, though the TX 550h+ had yet to hit the market and was anticipated to start above $75,000, including a $1,350 destination charge.

We evaluated the TX 350, likely the most popular variant. Priced starting at $60,950, including the destination fee, our front-wheel drive (FWD) luxury-trimmed model featured additional packages such as the Convenience Package, the Technology Package, a 21-speaker surround sound system, side puddle lamps, and rear cargo lamps. The final Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was $67,869.

Luxury trim on the TX 350 included upgraded ambient interior lighting, premium semi-aniline leather upholstery with artificial suede trim, and other decadent touches. Our test vehicle’s Peppercorn interior—a dark brown shade resembling black—alongside black-grained trim, made the cabin feel excessively dark, even with the panoramic glass sunroof. Despite this, the interior emitted luxurious vibes worthy of the Lexus badge.

In stark contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia mirrored the rugged design cues of the Tundra pickup. The two vehicles shared hexagonal grilles, pronounced wheel arches, robust fender creases, and muscular stances. Our Sequoia Capstone model, a top-trim variant, featured chrome brightwork against a Celestial Silver exterior that gave off a somewhat outdated “cop car” vibe. However, with bold color choices like Solar Octane orange and Lunar Rock gray available, the Sequoia could easily transform into a stylish "Tonka truck."

Inside, the Sequoia’s blocky, geometric dash layout mirrored that of the Tundra and Tacoma, with physical dials and buttons for essential controls. The Capstone trim showcased semi-aniline leather upholstery, unique to this level, though fabric and SofTex seating were standard and available on lower trims. Across the lineup, the front seats were at least eight-way power-adjustable, enhancing seating comfort as you climbed the trim levels. The Sequoia’s interior maintained a truck-like feel but was fitted with premium touches appropriate for its class, featuring a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Initially questionable for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it turned out to be adequately powerful for most driving scenarios with up to four passengers. Delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, the engine impressed with an official 0-60 mph time of eight seconds (7.8 seconds for AWD). Although performance felt quicker due to the torque, a grating engine note and occasional torque steer in the FWD model were minor annoyances.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving—an improvement over the older RX L's 22 mpg rating. However, during testing, the TX 350 FWD managed an average of only 20.4 mpg. AWD models cost an additional $1,600, offering better acceleration and enhanced traction, especially in inclement weather, while maintaining the 23-mpg combined rating.

In terms of ride and handling, the TX 350’s suspension struck an excellent balance: firm enough to communicate road surfaces yet compliant for comfort. Body motion control was commendable, and steering provided proper weighting and responsiveness. On highways, the interior remained impressively quiet, though our early build pre-production test car had a somewhat soft but easy-to-modulate brake pedal.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, offered exclusively as a hybrid, utilized Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This powertrain significantly boosted performance over its V8 predecessor, delivering 437 horsepower and a whopping 583 pound-feet of torque—gains of 56 hp and 182 lb-ft, respectively. Fuel economy also improved markedly, with the Sequoia rated at 20 mpg combined for 4WD models, versus 14 mpg previously.

The Sequoia's off-road-oriented TRD Pro trim came with 4WD as standard, featuring a part-time system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and two-wheel drive, plus a skid plate. Other trims offered 4WD for an additional $3,000 over RWD models. A 10-speed automatic transmission was standard and performed with smoothness. While on-road handling was typical for the class, the TRD Off-Road package catered to adventure-seekers with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, Bilstein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential, alongside features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.

The maximum towing capacity for the new Sequoia was an impressive 9,520 pounds, an upgrade from the previous model’s 7,400 pounds. This rating applied to the SR5 trim with RWD. Toyota offered several towing-related upgrades, such as the Tow Technology Package and power-extending trailer tow mirrors, though the latter significantly obstructed the field of view for shorter drivers.

Lexus previously struggled with three-row SUVs. The GX and LX were excellent off-road but compromised on-road dynamics, while the RX L was too small for adults in the third row. The 2024 Lexus TX aimed to solve these problems. Our test TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be swapped for heated and ventilated captain’s chairs as an option.

Despite lacking a massage function, the front seats offered easy adjustments for a comfortable driving position, with a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The second-row seats, though not as inviting, included triple-zone automatic climate control, dual USB charging ports, and manual side window shades, covering all glass.

A standout feature of the TX was a habitable third-row seat suitable for adults. Unlike the RX L's cramped third row, the TX’s seat provided adequate legroom, even for taller individuals. The third-row seat's stadium-style design allowed proper leg support and a decent view. However, adjusting the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers compromised comfort for those in the second row.

Lexus ensured practicality with numerous storage compartments, although lacking linings that might introduce noise and vibration based on stored items. Cargo space amounted to 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.4 cubic feet with it folded, and a generous 97 cubic feet with both second and third rows down.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone boasted power-deploying running boards, a feature that facilitated access but required timing to avoid shin whacks. With the second and third rows folded, cargo capacity maxed out at 86.9 cubic feet. With seats upright, storage ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, depending on their slider position, and 49 cubic feet behind the second row.

The second-row seats didn't slide fore and aft but moved aside quickly for third-row access. Folding the 60/40 split third-row seats created a uneven load floor due to their position above the hybrid battery pack, reducing headroom by almost 3 inches—39.2 inches up front, 37.5-38.4 inches in the middle, and 35.6 inches in the back. Third-row legroom ranged from 28.1 to 33.7 inches, less accommodating than rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon but better than the Jeep Wagoneer for front-row space.

Second-row captain’s chairs offered wider seating but lacked bolstering, providing minimal armrest support for seatbelt retention.

The Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, equipping it with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. While this upgrade introduced helpful tools, the replacement of well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones was frustrating, especially when paired with a head-up display often invisible behind polarized sunglasses.

Despite this, the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly and enhanced by a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. Cloud-based navigation, a digital assistant with stellar voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were highlights. Additionally, Lexus offered 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect for vehicular diagnostic and a variety of emergency services.

The TX's optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround sound system impressed audiophiles with its superior sound quality, justifying the upgrade for those passionate about audio fidelity.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, especially in Capstone trim, came loaded with technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, accessed through either an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system, while lacking flair, excelled in functionality—an appreciated trait for frequently used tech features.

Every Sequoia model featured a 12.3-inch full-color driver-information display, which was easy to read and provided essential data. The Panoramic View monitor, aiding drivers in large vehicle parking maneuvers, was standard and crucial for convenience. The head-up display was available on higher trims, enhancing driver ease. For audio lovers, the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system standard from Platinum trim upwards guaranteed a rich sound experience.

The Lexus TX was packed with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) suite. Features included adaptive cruise control, 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, included in LSS+ 3.0, provided proactive braking and steering assistance, though not without occasional disruption. Additionally, safety features extended to blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist. Optional features encompassed front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

Toyota equipped the 2024 Sequoia with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies. This suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. A notable addition was Trailer Merge Warning, extending the blind spot monitoring area when towing. Optional safety features, packaged in the Tow Technology Package, incorporated a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist.

As of now, neither the 2024 Lexus TX nor Toyota Sequoia has been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s worth noting, however, that the Toyota Tundra, mechanically similar to the Sequoia, earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation, suggesting promising safety performance for the Sequoia.