Toyota Sequoia vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia, particularly in the 1794 Edition trim, presented a distinctive appearance with its dark grey 20-inch wheels and reduced chrome accents compared to its Canadian counterpart, the Platinum trim. Despite its few years on the market, the Sequoia's rarity on the road and its Lunar Rock paint drew attention. Inside, the cabin featured typical Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from the overall luxury feel, although the leather upholstery added a touch of sophistication. The Sequoia's design was functional but lacked the premium materials found in some competitors.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, showcasing a striking new look reminiscent of classic Land Rover models. The GX's bold front fascia, LED headlights, and geometric styling elements contributed to its modern and rugged appearance. The Overtrail+ trim, with its 33-inch tires and matte grey wheels, further enhanced its off-road-ready stance. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with its clean and elegant design, high-quality switchgear, and chic dashboard layout. The spacious interior offered ample headroom and comfortable seating, with features like a head-up display and NuLuxe faux leather upholstery adding to the premium experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, providing robust acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, the Sequoia's fuel economy fell short, averaging 14.5 L/100 km in real-world testing, despite a Natural Resources Canada rating of 11.7 L/100 km. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 4,137 kilograms, but its solid rear axle and battery placement compromised rear-seat room and cargo space, affecting driving dynamics.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip centre differential and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GX accelerated from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, showcasing impressive performance for its size. While its fuel economy was rated at 13.5 L/100 km combined, real-world testing averaged 19.0 L/100 km. The GX's adaptive suspension and off-road capabilities, including a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select modes, made it a versatile performer both on and off the road.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals due to limited headroom. The Platinum and Capstone trims offered 10-way power-adjustable seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Access to the third row was facilitated by long rear doors, but these proved cumbersome in tight spaces. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres available with the third row in use, expanding to 2,460 litres with all seats folded. The Sequoia's high floor and low roof made third-row access awkward for adults.

The 2025 Lexus GX provided a spacious interior with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The absence of a third row in the Overtrail packages allowed for a massive 2,563 litres of cargo space with the second row folded. Even with the second row in place, the GX offered 1,291 litres of cargo capacity. The GX's towing capacity of 4,111 kilograms further enhanced its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to manoeuvre and park, thanks to its well-proportioned dimensions.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, starting from the Limited trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system offered various connected services, including cloud-based navigation and remote engine starting, though many features required active subscriptions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system on higher trims. The system's lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience, but the surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror were valuable additions.

The 2025 Lexus GX boasted a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, available on higher trims, delivered excellent sound quality. The GX also featured six USB-C ports for connectivity and charging. The infotainment system's intuitive layout and smooth operation made it easy to use, while the trail-viewing cameras enhanced off-road visibility.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. While the safety features were comprehensive, the lane assist systems could be overly intrusive. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, road sign assist, and more. The system operated smoothly and was not overly intrusive. The GX also included a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras for enhanced visibility. Like the Sequoia, the GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it offered 10 airbags for occupant protection.