Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, albeit with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly integrated with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, although the rear hatch did not fold downward. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a cabin that echoed the beveled styling motif. While hard plastics were prevalent for durability, there was light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the U.S.-only 1794 Edition, showcased a distinct design with dark grey painted 20-inch wheels and less exterior chrome. In Canada, the Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $87,174 to $106,175. The Sequoia, dipped in Lunar Rock paint, attracted attention despite being a rarity on the road. The interior featured typical Toyota-grade plastic, which was not a compliment, and the Saddle Tan leather upholstery and open-pore walnut wood trim were not available in the Canadian market. The Sequoia's design, while eye-catching, was not without its compromises, particularly in terms of interior materials and overall packaging.

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 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous five-speed unit. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available on Limited and Platinum packages. The more potent Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering stronger usable power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was significantly improved, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with eight distinct packages offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The top TRD Pro and Trailhunter models were particularly notable for their adventure capabilities.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 1.87-kWh nickel metal hydride battery pack, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, a part-time 4WD system was standard, with various driving modes available. Despite its muscular performance, the Sequoia's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive, with a maximum of 4,137 kilograms on the base SR5 TRD Off-road trim. However, the Sequoia's packaging and driving dynamics were compromised by the battery pack's placement and the use of a solid rear axle. The ride was jittery and truck-like, with excessive lateral weight transfer on undulating roads. Ground clearance was limited, and the standard front air dam restricted the approach angle, making off-roading less feasible.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase that offered minimal passenger space gains. The front seats provided ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating, with adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for ease of use. Storage options 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, supporting a static load of 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia could carry up to eight people, though seven or six would be more comfortable. The Platinum and Capstone trims featured 10-way power adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. Access to the second and third rows was facilitated by long rear doors, though they were cumbersome in tight spaces. The third row offered stadium-style seating with limited headroom, and passengers could bounce and hit their heads on the roof. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,387 litres with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume was 2,460 litres, less than rival full-size SUVs. The Sequoia's high floor and low roof made third-row access awkward, and the cargo space was less than Toyota's own Grand Highlander midsize SUV.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a charging pad. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel, and off-road models offered external camera views for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, with a portable centre speaker doubling as a Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function was offered.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Limited trim. Four connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions ranging from three to ten years. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system's advanced features depended on active subscriptions, including cloud-based navigation and emergency assistance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad from the Limited trim. A 14-speaker JBL premium sound system was included in higher trims. The system featured a large volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, which was inconvenient. The Drive Connect's natural voice recognition system had limitations, and the surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror were helpful features.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was also included, though it could be intrusive. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The lane assist features could be aggravating, with frequent false warnings and intrusive lane keep assist. Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia at the time of publication.