Toyota Sequoia vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a nod to its Texan roots, named after the year the ranch was established where its assembly plant now stands. This model 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 quality was a mix of luxury and standard Toyota-grade materials, which left some room for improvement. The exterior, however, was eye-catching, especially with the optional TRD Off-Road Package that added black 20-inch TRD wheels and all-terrain tires, making it a standout on the road.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered a more refined luxury experience, albeit with some quirks. The TX came with a variety of trim levels, and the 550h+ plug-in hybrid featured a panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels. The interior was spacious, especially in the third row, and included features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. However, the material quality didn't quite match up to luxury standards, with some basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were an interesting touch, but not necessarily a needed improvement. Overall, the TX provided a comfortable and quiet ride, ideal for long journeys.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was powered by 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. This setup provided muscular performance, though it fell short in fuel efficiency, averaging only 16.2 mpg in real-world testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive at 9,010 pounds, but its driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, leading to a jittery ride over bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited by the low ground clearance and front air dam, despite the TRD Off-Road Package enhancements.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, offering a smooth and quiet ride. The plug-in hybrid allowed for various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid, with a charge mode to replenish the battery using the gasoline engine. The TX's AWD system provided flexibility in power distribution, and the Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces. While not designed for sporty handling, the TX excelled in comfort and stability, making it a great choice for long road trips.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals due to limited headroom. The front seats offered comfort with power adjustments and heating, while the second-row captain's chairs provided additional comfort but lacked sliding functionality. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The high floor and low roof made accessing the third row challenging, and overall cargo capacity was less than some rivals.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered a spacious interior with luxury features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was notably roomy, with a recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seats, though folding them flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. Cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. The TX also featured a power-folding third row and a kick sensor for the liftgate, enhancing convenience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the system offered various connected services, many required subscriptions after trial periods. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the wireless charging pad was not secure. The JBL premium sound system provided 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 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen that was responsive but had some usability issues, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel controls were multifunctional but confusing, and wireless smartphone connectivity sometimes conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a range of subscription-based features, including in-dash navigation and a voice assistant. The backup camera and Advanced Park system were highlights, providing clear visuals and automated parking assistance. With multiple USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. While the safety tech was comprehensive, the lane assist features could be intrusive, leading to false warnings. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and Proactive Driving Assist. While the latter feature was intended to enhance safety, it often activated unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed in traffic. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.