2025 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged yet customizable appearance, with the Defender 110 four-door model striking a balance in design. Despite the Defender 90 appearing stubby and the 130 carrying excessive visual mass, all models maintained an appealingly robust look. Buyers had numerous customization options, with base prices ranging from $58,525 to $120,525, depending on the model and options. The Defender 130 X trim, priced at $102,525, included features like the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. Our test vehicle, dressed in Gondwana Stone paint, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and its color clashed with the orange brake calipers and delicate twin-spoke wheels. Inside, the Defender X featured premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with options for Ebony, Caraway, or Light Cloud upholstery. The interior maintained an industrial theme, focusing on quality materials and a purposeful design.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, named after the ranch where its assembly plant stands, built upon the Sequoia Platinum with machined-finish 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, and Saddle Tan leather upholstery. It joined a lineup that included various trims, with prices ranging from $62,425 to $83,915. Our test vehicle, equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package and other features, had an MSRP of $85,700. The Sequoia's Lunar Rock paint and black TRD off-road wheels garnered attention, despite the model's rarity on the road. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather contrasted with the black interior, complemented by warm walnut wood trim. However, the cabin's Toyota-grade plastic detracted from the premium feel, and the TRD Off-Road Package's red accents seemed out of place. The aluminum pedals, however, added a touch of style to the 1794 Edition.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a mild-hybrid system and an eight-speed automatic transmission, it provided robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Standard features included an adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes. The Defender excelled off-road, with 11.4 inches of ground clearance and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. On-road, the Defender's ride was smooth, but its 5,685-pound curb weight and fluid steering limited its agility on twisty roads. The test vehicle's observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, with a part-time 4WD system. Despite its 6,150-pound weight, the Sequoia offered quick acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The Sequoia's maximum towing and payload capacities were 9,010 pounds and 1,410 pounds, respectively. The TRD Off-Road Package added off-road features, but the Sequoia's ground clearance and air dam limited its off-road capability. On-road, the Sequoia's ride was jittery, and its brakes lacked initial bite and modulation.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating and large windows provided excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. A panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel added to the open feel. The second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with inboard adjustable armrests. The third-row seat was heated and roomy, offering comfort for adults. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, with a high load floor. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition accommodated up to eight people, with 10-way power-adjustable front seats offering heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding and a console. The third row's high floor and low roof made access awkward, and headroom was limited. With the third row in use, cargo space was 11.5 cubic feet, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sequoia's cargo space was less than rival full-size SUVs, and its high floor and low roof limited practicality.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's response to voice commands was slower than preferred, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, with easy programming of favorite radio stations. The Defender also had a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and surround-view camera system. The Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Connected services plans offered features like cloud-based navigation and remote engine starting. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The system's natural voice recognition was reasonably capable but had limitations. The Sequoia also had a surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender came equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at press time.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The lane assist features caused aggravation, with frequent false lane departure warnings. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication.