2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring design elements like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a switch to Solar Octane orange and black accents transformed its look to a playful "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky dashboard design, with physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered various seating materials. All models included power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing customization and comfort.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, priced at $75,000, featured an Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers, but its overall design was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: the efficient RX 350h, the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, and the powerful RX 500h. Each model offered standard all-wheel drive and various trim levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its design remained dependent on color and wheel choices. Inside, the RX Hybrid provided a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. However, some controls were ergonomically challenging, and the climate system's fan was notably loud.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, utilizing the iForce MAX powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 and electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro model offered off-road capabilities with 4WD, while other trims required an additional cost for 4WD. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and the 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying power and efficiency. The RX 350h delivered 246 hp and 36 mpg, while the RX 450h+ provided 304 hp and a 37-mile electric range. The RX 500h, with 366 hp, featured a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, achieving 20.9 mpg in testing. It included advanced features like Direct4 AWD and performance brakes. However, the RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, and its adaptive suspension produced unnatural sensations. Despite its capabilities, the RX 500h lacked dynamic communication, focusing more on appearance and straight-line acceleration.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured power-deploying running boards and offered up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The second-row seats were easy to move, but the third-row seats didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid battery. Headroom and legroom were limited, especially in the third row. Second-row captain’s chairs were available in higher trims, but they lacked bolstering.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality. The RX 500h's front seats were snug, and the climate system's fan was loud. The rear seats were comfortable, with ample space for adults. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover hindered loading larger items.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone included standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and a panoramic view monitor were standard, while a head-up display and JBL audio system were available on higher trims.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services. However, steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the infotainment system occasionally experienced glitches.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist monitored progress and adjusted braking or steering. The Convenience Package added a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS in frontal-impact tests.