Lexus GX vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Lexus GX underwent a dramatic redesign compared to its predecessor, the 2023 GX 470. The new model shed its softer, rounded corners for a more geometric styling from headlight to taillight. The once prominent “spindle” grille was toned down but remains a central design feature, sitting flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights at the squared-off upper edge of the front fascia. The front end now stands much more vertically, contributing to an overall more aggressive aesthetic. The previously soft chin was stiffened, and rises on the hood above each front wheel help drivers with positional awareness off-road.

With its side profile, the GX's minimal character lines and low window beltline create an almost monolithic appearance, aimed at enhancing off-road visibility. The windows have a unique design element where the lower edge rises ahead of the C-pillar, accentuating the SUV’s rugged yet refined look. Standard running boards featured on the GX could be upgraded to powered units on the Luxury+ trim.

Available in six trim levels–Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+–the Premium+ was expected to be the best-seller. Yet, the luxury-focused model highlights were more evident in the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims. While luxury models flaunted 22-inch wheels and specific interior embellishments, the Overtrail trims leaned heavily on off-roading prowess, offering 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and hard-wearing Nuluxe leatherette upholstery.

Internally, all GX models boasted a blend of luxury appointments with robustness aimed at utility, featuring heated and ventilated front seats, polyurethane-derived touchpoints, and off-road-oriented controls. The flat dashboard accommodated a large 14-inch touchscreen positioned as the central feature, supplemented by physical controls for climate and stereo settings.

Comparing the two, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared visual cues from its Tundra pickup sibling. Hexagonal grilles and wheel arches, strong fender creases, and muscular stances were quintessential features. Unique to the Sequoia, however, exterior color drastically altered its facade. Our top-trim Capstone model, cloaked in Celestial Silver with ample chrome detailing, looked slightly dated. Swap in Solar Octane orange or Lunar Rock gray, and it transformed radically to an adventurous "Tonka truck" persona.

Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles with a blocky, geometric dashboard, physical dials for essential controls, and shared elements like the shifter and steering wheel. The Capstone flaunted semi-aniline leather upholstery, and other trims offered various material options from fabric to SofTex. All trims featured at least eight-way power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or a panoramic version on higher trims.

Transitioning from a naturally aspirated V8, the 2024 Lexus GX introduced a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine that produced 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite shedding two cylinders, the new engine delivered significantly more power and torque, accessible from lower in the rev range for improved off-road capability.

Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with various Toyota and Lexus models like the new Toyota Land Cruiser, the GX felt sturdier and more stable both on-road and off. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery confidently, devoid of gear hunting. Standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential offered versatility, with the Overtrail trims adding a locking rear differential for enhanced traction control.

Equipped with the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), the Overtrail trims boasted improved wheel articulation and stability. During testing, the GX impressed with its acceleration and braking, despite its hefty weight over 5,000 pounds. The controlled body roll in cornering was a notable improvement from the previous model.

The Sequoia, powered exclusively by the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, comprised a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. This combination increased power to 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque compared to the V8 predecessor. Fuel economy saw a significant improvement, rated at 20 mpg combined for the 4WD variant.

The TRD Pro Sequoia came standard with 4WD, while other trims had the option for an additional $3,000. The handling was adequate for the class, backed by a smooth-operating 10-speed automatic transmission. Off-road readiness could be enhanced with the TRD Off-Road package, adding all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks, and relevant driver-assist features.

Towing capacity in the new Sequoia peaked at 9,520 pounds, surpassing the previous model. Various towing upgrades, including a Tow Technology Package and power-extending trailer tow mirrors, added to its capabilities, though the latter posed visibility challenges for shorter drivers.

The 2024 Lexus GX embraced a minimalist and sophisticated approach, reducing the number of physical controls while retaining essential off-roading functions. Passenger space was generous in the first two rows, with legroom measuring 41.2 inches in the front and 36.7 in the second row. However, the third row was cramped and suitable only for children with 31.7 inches of legroom.

Cargo space in the GX was another strong point. Behind the third row, cargo space measured 10.3 cubic feet, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models offered even more capacity with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.5 cubic feet in total.

For the 2024 Sequoia, features like power-deploying running boards aided entry, though they could be cumbersome. The Sequoia could accommodate up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. Behind the second row, it offered 49 cubic feet, varying from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row depending on seat positioning.

Passenger comfort saw mixed reviews. The second-row access was easy, though the lack of a flat load floor due to the hybrid battery placement compromised space. Third-row legroom ranged from 28.1 to 33.7 inches, leading to less comfort for taller passengers.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch central touchscreen, equipped with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, and several USB-C ports across front and rear seats. A 120-volt AC outlet in the trunk added convenience. The Lexus Interface, accessible via an intelligent voice assistant, offered subscription services free for the first three years. The standard audio system could be upgraded to a Mark Levinson 21-speaker setup in higher trims.

In comparison, every Sequoia trim aside from the SR5 featured a 14-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, supporting Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. Though the infotainment system’s appearance was plain, it was user-friendly. The driver-information display was a standard 12.3-inch color screen, and higher trims received a 10-inch color head-up display. The JBL Premium Audio was available in mid-trims and standard in higher trims.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant safety improvements with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, encompassing pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and proactive driving assist. Despite no crash test ratings yet from IIHS or NHTSA, its modern build and driver-assistance systems inspired confidence.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia boasted the TSS 2.5 suite as standard, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The blind-spot monitoring system was extended for trailers, and additional features included in the Tow Technology Package enhanced maneuvering safety.