2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, with its bold design inspired by the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The SUV's newly creased and kinked body gave it a more commanding presence compared to its predecessor. While the Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look, its appeal was subjective. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale touches like leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior's cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. However, some interior materials reminded occupants of the SUV's pickup truck origins.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a distinctive visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance. The front end appeared ready to conquer the road, framed by large headlights. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, offering limited units in exclusive paint colours. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior featured a surprising amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and cost-effective manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the satisfying rumble of the previous V8, the new engine offered increased towing capacity, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The Sequoia also improved fuel efficiency, achieving 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD, compared to the previous model's 16.4 L/100 km. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't match the Sequoia's power on paper, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. However, its towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms fell short compared to other SUVs. The GX's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 14.5 combined. Despite its weight, the GX handled corners predictably, and its brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its 4WD system, making it user-friendly in various conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with features like soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's interior included power-deploying running boards, a panoramic glass moonroof, and second-row captain's chairs with separate climate controls. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. Folding the third-row seats increased capacity to 1,387 litres, but it was still smaller than the previous model. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, reducing maximum cargo capacity to 2,460 litres.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The interior featured hard buttons for controls, providing a tactile experience. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was tight and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,322 litres with the third row folded. With both rows down, it offered 1,832 litres, less than a Toyota RAV4. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open and limited access.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant for directions. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with phone pairing. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented accidents.

The 2023 Lexus GX received an updated 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging performance and less crisp graphics. The GX included a CD player, reflecting its older tech offerings. The SUV excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and traction control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) improved on-road and off-road performance, and optional features like a multi-terrain monitor enhanced its capabilities.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested strong safety performance.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Lexus Safety System+ provided a range of safety features, although it lacked some top-end options. The GX's safety technology was a testament to Toyota and Lexus's commitment to modernizing their vehicles.