Toyota Sequoia vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a nod to its Texas roots, named after the year the ranch was established where the assembly plant now stands. This edition built upon the Sequoia Platinum with distinctive features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior was a mix of luxury and typical Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from its premium feel. The exterior, however, with its Lunar Rock paint and TRD off-road wheels, turned heads and added a rugged charm to the full-size SUV.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look reminiscent of classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, LED headlights, and large grille gave it a bold presence. The GX 550 Overtrail+ model featured 33-inch tires and a raised ride height, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the GX offered a luxurious and spacious cabin with high-quality materials and a chic design. The seats were comfortable and equipped with modern amenities, making it a refined choice for those seeking both style and substance.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Despite its muscular performance, the Sequoia's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging only 16.2 mpg in real-world testing. Its towing capacity of 9,010 pounds was impressive, but the solid rear axle and battery placement compromised its driving dynamics, resulting in a jittery ride and limited off-road capability.

The 2025 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The GX's fuel economy was also lackluster, achieving just 14.9 mpg during testing. However, its adaptive suspension and off-road prowess, especially in the Overtrail+ trim, made it a versatile performer both on and off the road. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, easily tackling challenging terrains with its advanced off-road features.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia offered seating for up to eight passengers, but the third row was best suited for shorter individuals due to limited headroom. The 1794 Edition's front seats were comfortable and well-equipped, but the high floor and low roof made accessing the third row awkward. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. This was less than many rivals, making it less practical for larger families or those needing ample cargo capacity.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with generous headroom and legroom for all passengers. The GX's cargo space was impressive, offering up to 90.5 cubic feet in the Overtrail trim, making it ideal for adventure seekers and families alike. Its manageable dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, adding to its practicality as a family SUV.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While it offered advanced features through subscription-based services, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided connectivity without additional costs. The JBL premium sound system delivered quality audio, but the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system was capable but had limitations in executing certain commands.

The 2025 Lexus GX boasted a user-friendly tech interface with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. It offered seamless integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided excellent sound quality, though it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX's tech package was comprehensive, with multiple USB-C ports and ample storage options, enhancing its appeal as a modern luxury SUV.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a suite of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. While these features were helpful, the lane assist system could be overly intrusive. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by safety organizations at the time of publication.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and pedestrian detection. The system operated smoothly and was not overly intrusive during testing. The GX also offered a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras, enhancing visibility. Like the Sequoia, the GX had not been rated by safety organizations but included 10 airbags for occupant protection.