2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection 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 and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated look reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout, physical dials, and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The seating was power-adjustable, and all models included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with higher trims offering a panoramic version.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, didn't drastically change its design but evolved with a bulkier and more industrial exterior. The horseshoe-shaped grilles returned, and the side body panels featured deep beveled creases, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. It paid homage to previous generations with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. It was purposeful yet comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

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, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured standard 4WD in Canada, with a part-time system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available on higher trims. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner was quieter inside and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It offered eight distinct packages with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most impressive.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, providing easier access for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they didn't create a flat load floor. Headroom was reduced due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with minimal gains in passenger space. The front seats accommodated taller passengers, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, cupholders, and a centre armrest bin. Cargo capacity was 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the raised floor. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 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 the Limited trim and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, and a JBL premium audio system with a portable Bluetooth speaker was available. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and a smartphone app added convenience, marking a technological advancement for the 4Runner.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including features like 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 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 safety organizations, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be disabled if intrusive. In Canada, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.