2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, the RX offered a hybrid model under the RX 450h distinction. The RX 350 and F Sport accommodated five passengers, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. Competing in the midsize luxury crossover segment, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by razor-sharp character lines and angular features reminiscent of a boomerang. The F Sport trim, in particular, emphasized a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its high-quality materials, the interior felt slightly dated, with an abundance of buttons and a center stack that hadn't been redesigned in years. Comfort was a mixed bag, with some finding the NuLuxe seats less than pleasant and the driving position challenging to perfect.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's styling was distinct, with a traditional grille and front bumper that set it apart from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look. Inside, the Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A massive 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the Capstone's interior boasted a cream white-over-black two-tone color scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of the Sequoia's pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $59,895 to $79,895. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability. Our Capstone test vehicle featured 4WD, Wind Chill Pearl paint, and a rear air suspension, with an MSRP of $81,365.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total of 308 hp. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX offered AWD as the sole option. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with an engine note more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder than a V6. Acceleration was unimpressive, and the driving experience lacked confidence. The F Sport trim included performance dampers and an optional F Sport Handling package, which added adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. However, the differences between drive modes like Sport and Sport+ were negligible. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was rated at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. While the new V6 lacked the rumble of the previous 5.7-liter V8, it offered improved towing and payload capacities, with a maximum tow rating of 9,520 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved significantly, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. Our Capstone 4WD test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Sequoia's driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The adaptive rear air suspension adjusted ride and handling traits, but the Sequoia's ride quality was busy and occasionally jittery. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive. Despite these drawbacks, the Sequoia's powertrain and improved fuel efficiency were notable highlights.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered a standard two-row configuration with 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably accommodating four adults. The rear middle seat was best suited for short trips. Front headroom measured 39.4 inches, with 39.1 inches in the rear. Legroom was ample, with 44.1 inches in the front and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models shared the same wheelbase, resulting in limited space for anything beyond groceries. The RX 350L featured a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with second-row captain's chairs available. Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row models offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper. Thoughtful interior features included a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with a comfortable cabin featuring soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The front seats were comfortable, and the wide, flat, padded upper door panel shelf provided a perfect resting place for long trips. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, though taller individuals might find them cumbersome. Starting with the Platinum trim, a panoramic glass sunroof reduced second-row headroom, but passengers enjoyed captain's chairs with separate climate controls and robust grab handles. The second-row seats did not slide, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was mounted above the battery pack, resulting in a high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but items could fall out when opening the liftgate. Folding the third-row seats provided 49 cubic feet of cargo space, while folding the second row expanded it to 86.9 cubic feet. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was smaller than its predecessor and segment rivals.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display as standard, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver in a previous refresh, the touchscreen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip obstructing access to icons. The touchscreen was responsive, but alternatives like voice commands and a touchpad were less user-friendly. The touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive, leading to frustration. The drive mode selector was positioned next to the touchpad, causing confusion. However, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, premium audio systems, navigation, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch version on higher trims. The system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and a guest mode. The Drive Connect plan included an Intelligent Assistant, which responded to voice commands. The system allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, though there were occasional glitches. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. A surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror were standard on higher trims. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented accidents.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) as standard, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were also standard. The Sequoia's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems made highway driving easier. As of the review, the Sequoia had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tundra, on which it is based, received high ratings.