2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined and modern exterior, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the same overall length. The design changes, including a reduction in rear overhang and softer design lines, gave it a smaller appearance. The signature spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, flowing into an elevated hood and upswept body sides, reminiscent of the Lexus IS sedan. The rear featured a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX was recognizable yet fresh compared to the previous model. Inside, the RX offered a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials were evident, with options for genuine leather and simulated suede, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, such as hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior appearance varied significantly with color choices, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver appearing somewhat dated, while bolder colors like Solar Octane orange transformed its look. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, with physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a range of materials. The Sequoia provided ample interior space, with power-adjustable front seats and a standard power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim, with its adaptive suspension, provided a more secure and composed ride. The RX 350 FWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, with the AWD version slightly quicker at 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase over the previous V8 model, with improved fuel economy rated at 20 mpg combined for 4WD models. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the TRD Pro trim offered off-road capabilities with a part-time 4WD system and additional features like a skid plate and all-terrain tires. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with various towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior, with the Luxury trim featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim included sportier seats with more bolstering, though they might be too snug for some. The rear seat provided good leg support and room, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Cargo space improved over the previous model, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia provided a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the third row, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor when folded due to the battery pack. Headroom was reduced in the rear, and legroom was less than some rivals. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming music apps, though it lacked the ability to view multiple data panels simultaneously. A 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was available, providing excellent audio quality. Additional features included digital instrumentation, a digital rearview mirror, and a color head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim or a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was user-friendly, and a 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard across all trims. The Sequoia also included a Panoramic View monitor and a 10-inch color head-up display on higher trims. A 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited trim and standard on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also introduced, though some features had limitations, such as the HUD's visibility with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning was also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on certain trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations at the time of writing, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.