Toyota Land Cruiser vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia exhibited a robust and imposing design, sharing its ladder-frame platform with the Tundra pickup. Its tall and wide stance was complemented by blocky features, with a large black grille that was more contained than the Tundra's. The shoulder line descended from a tall hood to the front doors, and pronounced haunches over the wheels added to its chunky appearance. Black wheel flares were standard across all models except the top Capstone trim, which featured body-coloured flares. The blacked-out front pillars and a forward-tilting rear side window line contributed to a slight sense of motion. The rear end was marked by a standard spoiler and tailgate Sequoia lettering, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Inside, the cabin continued the chunky design with large dials suitable for gloved hands, and the TRD Pro model featured black synthetic leather upholstery with a camouflage pattern and red contrast stitching. While the interior quality was acceptable, it leaned more towards utilitarian than luxurious, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and hard plastics.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser was available in two versions: the Land Cruiser 1958 and a higher trim level. The 1958 model was distinguishable by its round headlights and cloth seats, while the higher trim featured rectangular lamps and artificial leather upholstery. The upmarket version offered more colour options and additional features. Starting at $73,600 in Canada, the 1958 catered to those seeking a basic yet functional vehicle, while the higher trim, priced from $82,390, targeted buyers desiring more luxury. Our test vehicle, equipped with the Premium Package, showcased a functional cabin with soft leather upholstery and generous padding. The displays and switchgear were reminiscent of the more expensive Lexus GX, giving the Land Cruiser a premium feel. Despite a thin metallic echo when closing doors, the vehicle exuded quality in construction and materials.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a hybrid system known as i-Force Max, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine that produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor added 48 hp and 184 lb-ft, drawing power from a 1.87-kWh battery pack. The engine delivered a V8-like performance, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of approximately 6.8 seconds. The Sequoia could tow up to 4,137 kilograms, aided by a haul mode and a heavy-duty tow hitch receiver. However, the optional towing mirrors were overly large and obstructive. Handling was typical for a body-on-frame SUV, with a 22.1-centimetre ground clearance and a weight of 2,790 kilograms. The TRD Pro model featured an off-road-tuned suspension with Fox coil-overs and rear shocks, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's 4WD system was part-time, with low-range gearing and off-road drive modes, supported by a surround-view camera system for off-roading.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser shared the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with the 4Runner and Tacoma, combining a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a towing capacity of 2,722 kilograms. Fuel consumption was rated at 10.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined, though our test vehicle averaged 11.6 L/100 km during a heat wave. The Land Cruiser was equipped with centre and locking rear differentials, hill start and descent assist, and Crawl Control for off-roading. Ground clearance was 21.6 centimetres, with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 32, 22, and 23 degrees, respectively. The higher-spec model offered wider tires, Multi-Terrain Select modes, and a front stabilizer bar disconnect system. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, though it exhibited body roll and nose dive during spirited driving. It was smooth on highways but suffered from wind noise.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia could accommodate seven or eight passengers, with standard eight-way power seat adjustments in the first row. While spacious, the seats were too flat for long trips. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, with ventilation available on most trims. The second row offered good comfort, especially with captain’s chairs, and the third row provided adequate space for short trips. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. However, the load floor was not flat, and rivals offered more cargo space.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser's 1958 model featured manually adjustable heated front seats with cloth upholstery, while the higher trim offered power-adjustable, ventilated seats with SofTex artificial leather. The Premium Package added genuine leather, memory settings, and heated rear seats. The Land Cruiser accommodated five passengers comfortably, with no third-row option. Cargo space was 1,062 litres, expandable to 2,327 litres, though the load floor was not flat. The high liftover height and lack of a power-down rear window were drawbacks.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. Higher trims offered a head-up display, wireless phone charger, and JBL audio system.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser 1958 featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the higher trim had 12.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with connected services available. The Premium Package added a JBL audio system, digital rearview mirror, and head-up display. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the Intelligent Assistant occasionally misinterpreted commands.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. It also featured blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sequoia received mixed crash test results, with a Marginal score in the moderate front overlap test and varying headlight ratings.

The 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with additional features like Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. It received a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and mixed ratings from IIHS, with a Marginal score in the moderate overlap frontal impact test.