2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model, featuring Luxury trim, showcased striking 22-inch silver-finished wheels, an expensive option that significantly enhanced its presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative, almost anonymous look. This design approach might have appealed to those previously put off by Lexus's bolder aesthetics. The 2024 Lexus TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid series, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offered both FWD and AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, had a base price of $60,950, including destination, and featured packages like Convenience and Technology, bringing the total MSRP to $67,869.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition drew its name from the year the ranch was incorporated where the San Antonio assembly plant stands. This edition built on the Sequoia Platinum with machined-finish 20-inch wheels, additional chrome, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. The lineup included SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone models, with prices from $62,425 to $83,915, plus destination charges. The test vehicle featured the TRD Off-Road Package, a TRD front skid plate, and a 10-inch color head-up display, raising the MSRP to $85,700, including a $1,945 destination charge. The Sequoia, painted in Lunar Rock and equipped with black 20-inch TRD off-road wheels, garnered attention despite its rarity on the road. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather and walnut wood trim contrasted with the black interior, though the rest of the cabin was covered in typical Toyota-grade plastic. The red TRD accents seemed out of place, but the aluminum pedals added a touch of style.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about this engine choice for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, it performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. The engine's grating note and hints of torque steer with FWD were minor irritations. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD), though it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The EPA rated the TX 350 FWD at 23 mpg in combined driving, a slight improvement over the previous RX L model. During testing, it averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, costing an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction in adverse conditions. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, firm enough to convey road surface details while ensuring comfort. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on highways. The test car's brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

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 driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul. Weighing 6,150 pounds, the Sequoia's hybrid drivetrain provided muscular performance and quick acceleration, though fuel economy fell short of expectations. The EPA estimated 20 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged only 16.2 mpg. The 1794 Edition boasted towing and payload capacities of 9,010 pounds and 1,410 pounds, respectively, surpassing several rivals. However, the Sequoia's packaging and driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle. These design choices affected rear-seat room and cargo space, and the ride was jittery over bumps. The TRD Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, but the low ground clearance and air dam limited its effectiveness. The Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires performed well on pavement, and the steering was light and fluid. However, the brakes lacked initial bite and were challenging to modulate, with fade issues during hard braking tests.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The GX and LX models were off-road-focused, compromising on-road dynamics, while the RX L was too small for adult passengers in the third row. The TX resolved these issues, offering a more spacious and comfortable interior. The TX 350 Luxury featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The standard second-row bench seat could be replaced with heated and ventilated captain's chairs. While the front seats lacked a massage function, they provided a supportive driving position. The second-row seat, though comfortable, had a relatively flat lower cushion. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, with stadium-style seating and large side windows. However, sliding the second-row seat forward to accommodate third-row passengers reduced second-row comfort. The TX offered ample storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97 cubic feet with both rows down.

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 for the driver and front passenger. Long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, though they posed challenges in tight parking spaces. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding and a console. The third-row seats were accessible via folding the second-row bench or crawling between captain's chairs. The high floor and low roof made third-row access awkward for adults, and headroom was limited. With the third row in use, cargo space was just 11.5 cubic feet, expandable with an adjustable shelf. Folding the third row provided 49 cubic feet, and maximum cargo volume reached 86.9 cubic feet with both rows down. These figures were less than rival full-size SUVs, and even the Grand Highlander offered more room.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, and a semi-autonomous parking assist system. However, the package replaced well-marked steering wheel controls with unmarked dual-purpose ones, requiring drivers to reference the head-up display, which was often invisible with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, was user-friendly, especially with the complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription. This added cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system offered impressive audio quality.

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 ranging from one to ten years. The Wi-Fi Connect plan offered a 30-day/3GB trial. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system's advanced features depended on active subscriptions, including cloud-based navigation and natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system was included. The oversized volume knob on the dashboard was convenient, but the lack of a tuning knob was frustrating. The Intelligent Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" commands but had limitations. The 1794 Edition also featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, both useful in tight spaces.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist, part of LSS+ 3.0, offered braking and steering assistance but was not entirely transparent in its operation. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Options included front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included 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. TSS 2.5 offered essential safety features without unnecessary extras. However, the lane assist features were sometimes intrusive, causing false lane departure warnings and noticeable lane keep assist activity. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia at the time of publication.