2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a new addition to the lineup, named after the year the ranch was established where its assembly plant now stands. This model aimed to generate interest in Toyota's full-size SUV by mirroring the Tundra's 1794 Edition trim. It built upon the Sequoia Platinum with features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels, additional chrome, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $62,425 to $83,915, plus destination charges. Our test vehicle, equipped with the TRD Off-Road Package, had an MSRP of $85,700. Despite its age, the Sequoia's Lunar Rock paint and black TRD off-road wheels turned heads. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather and walnut wood trim contrasted with the black interior, though the overall cabin quality felt more like a $45,000 vehicle than its sticker price suggested.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was a $75,000 SUV that featured an exclusive Incognito paint job and orange brake calipers. Despite these unique touches, the RX's design remained unremarkable, with a large front grille and distinctive rear haunches. The RX lineup offered three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiency. The RX 500h, with 366 hp, was the most powerful but least fuel-efficient. The RX's interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though some controls were ergonomically challenging. The RX Hybrid's pricing ranged from $52,875 to $72,710, with our test vehicle priced at $75,000.

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. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The 1794 Edition included a part-time 4WD system with multiple settings and offered driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul. Despite its 6,150-pound weight, the Sequoia provided quick acceleration and a robust engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging only 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 9,010 pounds, but its packaging and driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle. The TRD Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the low ground clearance and air dam limited its potential. The Sequoia's steering was light and fluid, but the brakes lacked initial bite and were hard to modulate.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models with varying power outputs. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, was the most efficient, while the RX 450h+ PHEV provided 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving quick acceleration but lower fuel economy at 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. While the RX 500h offered plenty of power and a pleasant engine sound, its adaptive suspension didn't fully control body motions, and the steering lacked communication. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but fell short in dynamic capability and driver engagement.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals. The 1794 Edition's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring comfort for the driver and front passenger. Accessing the second and third rows was easier with long rear doors, but they could be a liability in tight parking spaces. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding functionality and a center console. The third row's high floor and low roof made entry and exit awkward, and headroom was limited. Cargo space was also a concern, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, but the bottom cushions lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest lacked lining. The RX Hybrid offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. While not the most spacious midsize SUV, the RX prioritized comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered various connected services plans, with trial subscriptions ranging from one to ten years. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system relied on active subscriptions for advanced features like cloud-based navigation and remote services. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The system's volume knob was oversized, but the lack of a tuning knob was frustrating. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system had limitations, and the surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror were helpful additions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its high-tech features. However, some expected features, like digital key functionality and a camera-based digital rearview mirror, were optional. The RX's 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel was complemented by a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's volume knob and climate control dials were user-friendly, and the Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system was effective. The RX Hybrid also provided a cloud-based navigation system and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting, and the head-up display was smaller than some rivals.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, 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. While TSS 2.5 offered essential safety features, the lane assist systems could be aggravating, with frequent false warnings and intrusive lane keep assist. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification, an SOS emergency assistance button, and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Predictive Driving Assist (PDA) monitored forward progress and adjusted braking or steering as needed. The RX Hybrid's optional Convenience Package included a surround-view camera, which was highly recommended. In NHTSA crash tests, the RX received a five-star overall safety rating, but the IIHS rated it poorly in a moderate overlap frontal-impact test.