2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic and tasteful exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, standing tall at 1,956 millimetres and stretching 5,210 millimetres in length. Its interior, however, revealed its age with a somewhat dated design, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place among modern SUVs. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX presented a bold visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance. The GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blockier designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations. Inside, the GX's luxury badge was somewhat undermined by the presence of plastic materials, but it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. Despite its low sales, Lexus continued to produce the GX, benefiting from its easy manufacturing process.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia boasted a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms, making it a capable workhorse. However, its weight of nearly 2,721.5 kilograms contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel consumption ratings, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, excelling in off-road conditions with its four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. While it didn't match the Sequoia's power on paper, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying driving experience with its linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, falling behind some competitors. Its fuel economy was also less impressive, with ratings of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling and strong brakes, aided by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and a standard 4WD system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with its spacious three-row seating, offering ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior also provided ample storage options, including a deep centre console and door pockets.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX offered a well-thought-out interior with plenty of cubby space for small items. The centre console bin was spacious, and the GX retained physical controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated with its 7-inch touchscreen, but it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro models added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite a recent infotainment update, still felt dated compared to other Lexus models. Its 10.3-inch touchscreen was a significant improvement, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. The GX included Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the GX's tech offerings lagged behind newer Lexus models. Its strength lay in off-road capabilities, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also included a full complement of airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Similarly, the 2023 Lexus GX had no crash-test ratings but featured the Lexus Safety System+, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. While missing some advanced features, the GX offered parking assist, blind spot monitoring, and rain-sensing wipers, ensuring a modern safety suite.