2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was unveiled in Santa Barbara, California, where Lexus showcased its redesigned RX models. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid versions were the focus, with the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid arriving later. Visually, the RX 350h was nearly indistinguishable from the standard RX 350, save for a badge on the liftgate. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, however, stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Despite its popularity, the RX's design was not considered stunning, with a blunt nose and a wheelbase stretch that made it appear smaller than its predecessor. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic design with fewer controls and an improved infotainment system. The RX 350h Luxury featured luxurious Macadamia leather and Ash Bamboo trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark grey aluminum trim.

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 Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver colour, appeared somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky dash layout and physical controls for climate and volume. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim had SofTex leatherette. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across all trims and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, achieving 7.4 L/100 km in real-world testing. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but consumed 11.3 L/100 km. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, though accessing drive modes required navigating the infotainment system. The RX 350h, with its lower centre of gravity and electric motor torque, offered a quieter and more fuel-efficient ride.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia exclusively featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor for 427 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant improvement over its V8 predecessor, with a fuel economy rating of 11.7 L/100 km. The Sequoia's standard 4WD system included a 10-speed automatic transmission and off-road capabilities in the TRD Off-Road model. With a towing capacity of 4,137 kg, the Sequoia catered to adventure-seekers, though its on-road handling was typical for its class.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way adjustable seats with larger bolsters and standard heated and ventilated seats. The hybrid's battery placement under the rear seat provided good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was 838 litres behind the rear seat and 1,308 litres with seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards and a maximum cargo space of 2,460 litres with seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the battery pack. Headroom was reduced, and legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in space. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering wide but flat seating.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as single-screen viewing and reflection issues. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads, which were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim featured a 14-inch touchscreen with Toyota Audio Multimedia, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard, and the Panoramic View monitor was included on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were also available, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction tech and driver monitoring system.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard, with features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The Sequoia's only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims.