Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a familiar design language with a more robust and industrial exterior. The horseshoe-shaped grille returned, now bulkier, and the side body panels featured deep beveled creases that blended seamlessly with the flared wheel arches, giving the SUV a broad-shouldered stance. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner retained the slanted rearmost window from the first generation, and while the rear hatch didn't fold down, the sliding rear window remained for easier cargo access. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. The interior was functional, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort, offering a quality that surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco but fell short of the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, named after the ranch year where its assembly plant stands, built on the Sequoia Platinum with unique features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. Despite its rarity on the road, the Sequoia's Lunar Rock paint and black TRD off-road wheels turned heads. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather contrasted with the black interior, complemented by walnut wood marked with a lone star symbol. However, the cabin was marred by typical Toyota-grade plastic, and the TRD Off-Road Package's red accents felt out of place. The aluminum pedals, though, added a touch of elegance. Despite its high price tag, the interior quality suggested a lower value, and the brakes were criticized for poor initial bite and modulation.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup promised better acceleration and fuel economy than the previous generation's V6. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available. The more powerful i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid was more about power than fuel efficiency, offering strong low-speed power for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling improved significantly, with reduced nosedive and body roll, making it more composed on pavement. Off-road capabilities remained impressive, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter models stood out as the most capable, though the Trailhunter's snorkel added wind noise.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 1.87-kWh battery pack, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The 1794 Edition included a part-time four-wheel-drive system with multiple driving modes. Despite its weight of 6,150 pounds, the Sequoia offered quick acceleration and a satisfying engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging only 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The 1794 Edition's towing capacity was impressive at 9,010 pounds, but the Sequoia's packaging compromised driving dynamics. The battery pack's placement added weight to the rear, affecting ride quality, and the solid rear axle reduced rear-seat room and cargo space. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were limited by its low ground clearance and air dam, though the Falken Wildpeak tires performed well on pavement.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grew five inches longer, with a 2.4-inch increase in wheelbase, but passenger space gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, while the middle row provided adequate legroom and headroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. Storage options included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, further decreased to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits, supporting up to 800 pounds.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight passengers, though seven or six would be more comfortable. The 1794 Edition's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, ensuring comfort. Long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, but cramped parking spaces posed challenges. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding and console features. The third row's high floor and low roof made entry and exit awkward, with limited headroom. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 49 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume reached 86.9 cubic feet, less than rival SUVs. The Sequoia's high floor and low roof limited third-row comfort, and the adjustable shelf offered some cargo flexibility.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on supporting trims, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens were user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models offered external camera views for precise tire placement, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible via a smartphone app, and a digital key function replaced the key fob.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Five connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions. The Wi-Fi Connect plan offered a 30-day/3GB trial. Advanced features depended on active subscriptions, including cloud-based navigation and safety features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad included. The 1794 Edition featured a 14-speaker JBL sound system. The dashboard had an oversized volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, which was inconvenient. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system had limitations, and the surround-view camera system and digital rearview mirror were helpful.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. Proactive Driving Assist was included but could be intrusive. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. TSS 2.5 provided essential safety features, but lane assist features could be aggravating. Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia.