Luxury SUVs head off-road
The Lexus GX combines luxury amenities with off-road capability, and thanks to its full redesign in 2024, it’s better than ever. While previous models were built on the Toyota 4Runner, this latest generation uses the Land Cruiser as its base. Priced from $66,185, the 2025 Lexus GX is available in six trim levels that range from off-roading in luxury to a more true off-roading SUV that does away with its third row.
The Toyota Sequoia is a behemoth of a family SUV that comes with off-road versatility built in. Based on the Tundra pickup, the Sequoia is available in six trim levels, but the TRD Pro is the true off-roader in the family. For the 2025 model year, the Sequoia adds the 1794 trim to the range, and the Capstone and Platinum models now come with massaging front seats. Available from $62,425, the Toyota Sequoia can double as a family hauler or off-road warrior with the right setup.
Exterior styling spotlight
The 2025 Lexus GX rolls out with boxy styling similar to that of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser. Most models come equipped with either 20- or 22-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights that make for a rugged aesthetic. Running boards come stock on all models, but only the Luxury+ trim gets the automatic power-extending version. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ ride on 18-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires that elevate their aggressive demeanor. An aluminum front skid plate protects vital components from rough terrain.
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia is a behemoth of an SUV by most standards, and 18-, 20-, and 22-inch wheels certainly help create an aesthetic to match. LED lighting comes stock, as do heated side mirrors. Automatic power-extending running boards are optional on the 1794 Edition, while the TRD Pro takes a more athletic stance with a dual-tip exhaust, among other trim-exclusive design cues. It also gets a front aluminum skid plate in true off-roading style. At the top of the range, the Capstone model stands out with more noticeable chrome, LED taillights with sequential turn signals, and trim-exclusive door badging.
The Sequoia delivers more power and higher fuel economy
The Lexus GX is no slowpoke, packing a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, no matter the model. At its peak, the Sequoia can surpass 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. The 2025 GX is rated for an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, regardless of trim level. The GX tops out at 9,096 lbs. of maximum towing capacity.
As far as performance is concerned, the Toyota Sequoia is the powerhouse between these two models. Under the hood lies a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine paired with an electric motor, generating a total of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the rear or all four wheels. According to some reviewers, the Sequoia can hit 60 mph in as little as 5.6 seconds.
Toyota
As far as fuel economy is concerned, 2025 Sequoia models equipped with RWD earn up to 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with 4WD, like the 1794 Edition and TRD Pro, are rated for 19 and 22 mpg in city and highway driving, respectively. The Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 lbs. when properly equipped.
Interior design and features
Designed to combine luxury with off-road prowess, the Lexus GX doesn’t disappoint. Premium appointments, like leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, live up to the brand’s reputation for excellence. Not only that, but the Luxury, Luxury+, and Overtrail+ models come with massaging functionality. Nearly all models include a leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and thematic ambient lighting.
On the tech side of the equation, a 14-inch touchscreen display comes stock, as does wireless smartphone compatibility software, and a 12.3-inch information display. Most models come equipped with a 10-speaker premium audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system available as an upgrade. Most models also come get a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The Lexus GX comes stock with third-row seating on most models. With seven passengers onboard, the GX boasts 10.3 cu ft. of cargo space, while stowing the third row increases capacity to 40.2 cu ft. in most models. The GX tops out at 76.9 cu ft. of cargo space with both rear rows stowed away. The Overtrail and Overtrail+ models do away with their third row in favor of more space for gear in the great outdoors. With the second row upright, cargo space measures in at a roomy 45.6 cu ft. Stowing the rear seats increases cargo capacity to 90.5 cu ft.
Toyota’s reputation for practicality meets premium comfort in the 2025 Sequoia. While the base SR5 model is fairly standard, with fabric-trimmed, heated front seats, standard equipment takes a steep climb up the range. The TRD Pro adds aluminum sport pedals to match its athletic aesthetic, as well as heated and ventilated front seats for premium comfort on the trails. The Capstone model marks the pinnacle of luxury in the Sequoia, with heated and ventilated second-row seats, massaging front seats, and a 10-inch head-up display.
Toyota
Toyota
At the base level, the Sequoia SR5 offers an eight-inch touchscreen display, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as an eight-speaker audio system. Heading up the range nets you a 14-inch infotainment display and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Like in the Lexus GX, most Toyota Sequoia models include a 12.3-inch driver information display and wireless smartphone charging pad.
With all three rows in their upright positions, the Sequoia offers up to 22.3 cu ft. of cargo space when equipped with sliding third-row seats. Without sliding seats, dedicated cargo space measures in at 11.5 cu ft. Flattening the third row increases cargo capacity to 49 cu ft., while stowing both rear rows increases space to 86.9 cu ft.
Final thoughts
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Both the Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia are SUVs capable of hitting the trails and queueing at school drop-offs with plenty of luxurious amenities in tow. If you’re in need of a touch more space, then the Sequoia’s eight-passenger seating might be the way to go, as the GX tops out at seven passengers, and the Overtrail trims only offer room for five. As far as off-road capability is concerned, it’s hard to top the Lexus GX. It does share the same base as the highly-regarded Toyota Land Cruiser, after all.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog