2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Despite maintaining the same overall length, it offered more cargo space than the 2022 model, though still less than some competitors. The RX's appearance was notably smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines, complemented by a floating roof effect created by the down-sloping black trim on the rear pillar. The front featured a signature spindle-style grille with a modern mesh texture, while the rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX.

Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. The Intelligent Assistant technology, available for three years on select models, enhanced user interaction. High-quality materials were evident, with NuLuxe artificial leather standard and genuine leather available. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h models offered various trim levels, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid was anticipated but not immediately available.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform 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 mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim. The Sequoia's seating was highly adjustable, with power-tilt and -slide moonroofs standard across the lineup.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a combined fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km. The RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure ride.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively a hybrid, utilized the iForce MAX powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the previous V8 model. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kg, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3 package providing sport seat bolsters for added support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a sophisticated interior design. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had simulated leather seats and a sportier cabin. Both models provided ample rear-seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo space measured 838 litres with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded down.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim included automatic power-deploying running boards for easier access. The Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor when folded. Headroom was reduced due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting rear-seat comfort. Legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in space. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services were available. The Mark Levinson premium sound system, digital instrumentation, and digital key technology were notable features. A colour head-up display was available, though visibility issues arose with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard, with a Panoramic View monitor on higher trims. The 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and the JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driving assistance systems like lane departure warning and automatic high beams. New features included motorcycle detection and evasive steering assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist were available. The system had some flaws, such as unmarked adaptive cruise controls and curve-speed reduction technology that was not predictive.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were standard, as was blind-spot monitoring. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.