2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX made a bold statement with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned in 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to the blocky designs of its Toyota counterparts, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver giving off a dated "cop car" vibe. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, complete with physical dials and buttons. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim featured SofTex leatherette seating. The Sequoia offered a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version, enhancing its luxurious feel.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to modern engines, the GX's V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. Its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms was respectable, though it lagged behind other SUVs. Fuel economy was a downside, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.3 on the highway. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, aided by a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential for improved traction.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced an impressive 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming its predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and its on-road handling was adequate for its class. With a maximum towing capacity of 4,137 kilograms, the Sequoia offered several towing-related upgrades, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2023 Lexus GX provided ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX's interior featured hard buttons, which some might prefer over touchscreens. The second row offered comfort with captain's chairs, while the third row was tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door posed challenges, and cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with both rows folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility. It provided a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the hybrid powertrain's battery pack affected the load floor and headroom. Legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia falling behind some rivals. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering for added support.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over its predecessor. It included standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and a multi-terrain monitor. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhanced both on-road and off-road driving.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashy design. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across trims, and the Panoramic View monitor was essential for maneuvering. The Sequoia offered a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on higher trims, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with advanced driver assistance systems. While missing some top-end features, it included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, offering a comprehensive range of safety and driver-assistance features. These included a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Sequoia's only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide, available on higher trims. While not yet rated by NHTSA or IIHS, the Sequoia's safety features were robust.