The Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia are from the same parent company, but the GX is billed as a luxury model. Both SUVs are extremely capable with the Sequoia being in the second model year of its third generation and the GX is all-new to start its third generation. Let’s take a look at how they match up.
Lexus GX Preview
The GX is all-new as it debuts the third generation of the SUV. As part of its release, the GX snagged an eye-catching redesign with a retro aesthetic. At present, only the GX 550 will be sold in America. It features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. On the other end of the spectrum, the GX Overtrail model is designed to appeal to the off-road set.
Pros for the new Lexus GX include good towing capacity, a fully loaded luxury interior, and fun retro styling.
Cons for the new GX include low fuel economy and lack of a hybrid powertrain.
Toyota Sequoia Preview
The new Toyota Sequoia maintains the previous model year’s improvements. It remains a three-row, full-size SUV with a hybrid powertrain. It offers more torque than any of its rivals with a V8 engine, plus better fuel economy. The Sequoia has five trim levels with the highly-capable TRD Pro trim aimed at the off-road segment. Meanwhile, the top Capstone trim features excellent luxury amenities.
Pros for the new Sequoia include its powerful V6 hybrid powertrain, a long list of standard features, and good towing capacity.
Cons for the Sequoia include its limited cargo volume and less cabin space than expected.
Power and Performance Deep Dive
In this area, the Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia are more similar than different. The GX only comes with one powertrain–a 3.5-liter turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Sequoia uses the same motor, but it uses a hybrid system. This allows it to make 437 horsepower, which is nearly 100 more than the Lexus GX. Unlike the GX, the Sequoia is available in standard 2WD with available 4WD.
You might think that the Sequoia’s hybrid system would give it a big edge in fuel economy over the GX, but the truth is, they’re within 5 MPG in most categories. The biggest difference is that the Sequoia gets 21 MPG in the city vs the GX’s rather paltry 15 MPG.
Towing and Off-Road Ability
Most buyers looking at large SUVs are strongly interested in towing ability along with the space they provide. The Lexus GX with its 4WD, non-hybrid powertrain, can still tow a decent amount between 6,780 and 8,000 pounds depending on the trim. However, it’s quite a bit less than the Sequoia, which runs away with up to 9,520 pounds of towing ability.
Both the Sequoia and GX offer off-road-oriented trims with similar features. However, the GX edges out the Sequoia with better approach and departure angles as well as ground clearance. The GX offers 10.9 inches of ground clearance, which is over an inch better than the Sequoia’s 9.1 inches.
Price Comparison
You might expect the Lexus on sale in this situation to cost more than its Toyota counterpart. HOwever, the GX may start slightly higher at $64,250 compared to the Sequoia’s $61,275 price, but the Toyota tops out at $79,110 for the TRD Pro while the GX Overtrail+ can be had for $77,250 to start.
For those who want more power and size, the Sequoia appears to be the better choice. But the Lexus GX is a more affordable choice for buyers who lean toward luxury and off-roading.
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