2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, presented in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing customization and comfort.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV with an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique features, the RX's design was unremarkable, with a large front grille and dramatic rear haunches. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its design remained dependent on the chosen version and colour/wheel combination. Inside, the RX offered a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though some ergonomic controls were less intuitive.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase over its predecessor, with improved fuel economy rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering adequate on-road handling. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model catered to adventure seekers with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The RX 350h was the most efficient, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, while the RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive at 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, Direct4 AWD system, and performance brakes, offering a rewarding driving experience. Despite its capabilities, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its dynamic limits were difficult to discern.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor, affecting headroom and legroom. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs were wide but lacked bolstering, while legroom measurements placed it behind rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions lacked comfort during long drives. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. The RX offered 838 litres of cargo space, with hooks for grocery bags and a small storage area under the load floor. Folding down the second row created 1,308 litres of cargo volume, though the cargo cover could obstruct loading full-size suitcases.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims, while the Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch colour head-up display were available on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a volume knob and large dials for climate control, along with a conversational digital voice assistant. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality, though the steering wheel controls were best avoided while driving.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX Hybrid's surround-view camera was a valuable addition, though the Traffic Jam Assist feature's request to record the driver was unsettling. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.