Flagship Showdown! 2025 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2025 Lexus LX 700h

So, there used to be a clear division between mainstream and luxury SUV’s, but especially within the Toyota and Lexus lineup, things are getting closer than ever before. The Sequoia is a prime example of this, with its super high-end Capstone trim pushing into the territory traditionally occupied by the Lexus LX. The LX is getting a heavy refresh this year with a host of changes. So, with these updates, who wins in a 2025 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2025 Lexus LX 700h battle? Let’s find out!

Pricing and Equipment

Now before we get into it, let’s get the pricing out of the way. Like I already mentioned, these two don’t compete on price, but they overlap in many other ways, including a shared platform.

Starting with the Toyota, we have the loaded Capstone model which makes the Sequoia as Lexus-like as possible. After destination, it is within spitting distance of $88,000.

MSRP (Capstone 4WD): $83,665 | Options: $2,370 | Destination: $1,945 | Total: $87,980

The new Lexus LX 700h starts out in the 6-figures this year and to make it equivalent to the Sequoia in luxury, you’ll need to choose the Luxury trim. That puts it at a whopping $121,000, after destination.

MSRP (700h Luxury 4WD): $118,500 | Options: $1,295 | Destination: $1,350 | Total: $121,145

Exterior Design

Now right off the bat here, the first thing you will undoubtedly notice are the bold flagship-level designs that these two exhibit. They have large grilles that dominate their front ends and ample use of shiny bits to signify their expense…normally that is. This LX has the black-out appearance package which makes it a little more of a sporty look instead. Nevertheless, both have full-LED projector headlights and fog lamps. Only the Sequoia utilizes dynamic turn signals, and only the Lexus has headlamp washers.

Heading on around, you’ll see the nice boxy side profiles. And speaking of the profiles, even though they share the same basic platform, they are not the same length. Just like in the past with the Land Cruiser, the LX is a bit more compact for off-roading vs. the passenger-focused Sequoia and is 8-inches shorter.

Lengths: Sequoia: 208.1-inches | LX: 200.6-inches

We will be evaluating off-road ability later in this comparison, but for now, both feature 22-inch alloys with contrast designs for these luxury trims. You can get all-terrain tires for the off-road focused Overtrail and TRD PRO versions.

As we move to the back, this is the angle where they look the most similar. Both are quite boxy with large rear glass and low-set fully-LED taillights. Practically speaking though, it’s the Sequoia that can tow more, with the Capstone 4WD coming it at nearly 9,000 lbs vs. 8,000 lbs in the LX.

LX (700h Luxury 4WD): 8,000 lbs

Sequoia (Capstone 4WD): 8,980 lbs

Additional Features

Now as far as some other features, both have fully loaded mirrors with auto-dimming, and they both also have the safety suites, which include every single active safety system as standard equipment. The Lexus gets upgraded to their 3.0 system this year which additionally includes a traffic jam assist and a few other systems.

Warranty-wise, both have reputations of being bullet-proof, but if you need to utilize them, the Lexus has the longer one for both basic and powertrain.

LEX: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 4yr/50k mi | Powertrain: 6yr/70k mi | Comp Main: 2 visits

SEQ: Warranty: Basic Warranty: 3yr/36k mi | Powertrain: 5yr/60k mi | Comp Main: 2yrs/25k

Anyway, that’s the end of the exterior comparison, so now let’s get to the super-luxurious interiors which are updated this year.

Interior Design

So, walking up the vehicles, both are obviously going to have smart entry systems and remote start, but it is worth noting that only the Sequoia has power running boards, which makes entry and exit easier.

Now checking out the interiors themselves, as you can see, both look extremely plush although the design themes are, of course, very dissimilar. In the Capstone, we have a chic 2-tone black and white semi-analine leather interior, and in the LX 600 we also have semi-analine leather seating finished in an expensive-looking Palomino color.

As far as the seats themselves, they are both heated, ventilated, have memory functions and the same number of adjustments which even include power thy extension. In addition, new for the 2025 model year in both is massaging front seats. These are excellent massaging seats and have multiple modes as well.

Before we get inside and evaluate the broader interior materials, I do want to point out that only the Lexus has soft-close doors in case you fail to shut them fully.

But back to cabin materials, both are incredibly nice. but at the end of the day, one is a luxury nameplate and the other is not, meaning the LX has all the little extra touches, such as the metal speaker grilles, and more widespread use of leather, open-pore wood and aluminum.

Now after startup, you’ll see the same 12.3-inch full digital gauge cluster. Both also have large and crisp head up displays if you don’t want to look down.

Of course, it pretty much goes without saying that both have heated steering wheels with power adjustment and rain-sensing wipers, but the LX uses a nicer leather and wood trim.

Storage and Technology

Now the next major area to evaluate is interior storage, where both do a good job, however, the Sequoia is absolutely massive and has a giant center console for storage and better use of space up front with cubbies to stick things.

The Lexus fights back since the center console is a cool box to keep your drinks chilled.

Normally the LX would have a traditional shifter, but new for 2025 is an electronic one compared to the Sequoia’s tried and true setup. Preference on that will be up to you, but when you shift into reverse, they both display 360-degree cameras. 

For the climate controls, we also have some differences. While both have physical buttons and knobs for temperature adjustment, the LX has an extra zone, for 4 zones total, and the climate concierge system, which automatically decides things like the heated and vented seats, and heated steering wheel in combination together based on a wide range of factors.

Alrighty, now that brings us to the audio systems, so let’s sample them. The Sequoia’s JBL is decent, but the LX’s Mark Levinson is truly top notch and really impresses.

LX: 25-speaker Mark Levinson Premium audio

SEQ: 14-speaker JBL Premium audio

Now moving on to the screens, these are obviously very important aspects of the interiors, and they have completely different setups. In the Toyota, it’s a giant 14-inch touchscreen, but in the Lexus it’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a second 7-inch helper display below. But fundamentally, they work the same way, running the newest Toyota software that is fast and responsive, and having wireless AA and ACP.

Up above, both have rear camera mirror systems, and strangely enough, only the Sequoia has a panoramic sunroof.

Rear Seats and Cargo

But since these are giant 3-row SUV’s, there is still a lot to talk about in the back seats. We’ll start with space where you probably won’t be surprised to find that the Lexus falls behind. Since it’s 8-inches shorter, the Sequoia has about 6% more legroom and similar headroom to the LX.

LX: 36.6-inches of legroom | 38.9-inches of headroom 

SEQ: 39.2-inches of legroom | 38.4-inches of headroom

Both offer tons of luxury on board so let’s start with what they share: their own climate controls and vents, heated and ventilated rear seats, window sunshades and USBs for charging. Now for the differences: only the Sequoia includes a household outlet, versus a less useful 12v outlet, and it’s also the only one to include captain’s chairs.

We won’t award points for seating configurations since that’s more of a matter of preference but moving to the third row we will award points. Their folding mechanisms are identical and would require child seat removal, and space wise, they have nearly identical headroom. However, the Sequoia can give you 8% more maximum legroom with the seats slid back.

LX: 31.1 inches of legroom | 35.24 inches of headroom

Sequoia: 33.7 inches of legroom | Headroom: 35.6 inches of headroom

Thigh support is lackluster in both due to their body-on-frame structures and lack of independent rear suspensions, but Sequoia spices it up with a few more features. While both have power recline, vents, and USBs, only Sequoia has third row window sunshades and a third seat for an extra passenger.

Moving around back to the cargo, both have hands-free power tailgates, but only the Toyota can pop the rear glass independently.

Once open, the Sequoia’s extra length pay dividends again, with significant advantages in all three seating configurations.

LX (700h): Behind 3rd Row: 7.2 cu. ft. | 2nd Row: 31 cu.ft | Max: 62.6 cu.ft

SEQ: Behind 3rd Row: 22.3 cu.ft | 2nd row: 49.0 cu.ft | Max: 86.9 cu.ft

Now both do have odd packaging because the seats cannot fold flat due to battery packs occupying the underfloor space. However, they use a very similar shelving system to try to make up for the lack levelness. Additionally, as you would expect, both include power folding third rows and only the Lexus has buttons to fold the second row from the cargo area.

But one of the most interesting parts of this comparison is out on the road so let’s see how they stack up there!

Powertrains

So, like I just said, one of the most interesting parts of this comparison is the powertrain situation. Oddly enough, the LX used to have less power and torque than the Sequoia, but that changes this year. Lexus has added this 700h hybrid model which utilizes the exact same Twin-Turbo V-6 engine with hybrid componentry as the Sequoia Capstone. The Lexus produces 20 more horsepower because it runs on premium fuel, but it’s not quite at the 5% difference required to score a point and acceleration feels roughly the same.

LX 700h: 3.4L Twin-Turbo V-6 + electric motor, nickel-hydride battery: 457 hp and 583 lb.ft

SEQ: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6 + electric motor, nickel-hydride battery: 437 hp and 583 lb.ft

As far as the transmissions are concerned, both have 10 speed automatics that are nice and responsive, plus 4WD systems.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

But we certainly couldn’t compare these two without diving into some of their off-road capabilities. The LX is one of the most capable luxury SUVs in the world and that shows with the amount of standard capability you get even on this luxury model. It has a standard center locking diff, crawl control, plus a height adjustable suspension for significantly more ground clearance.

While some of those features are available on Sequoia, it’s only for the TRD PRO. In addition, for those who need even more capability, Lexus offers the new Overtrail trim which even includes triple locking diffs – something you can’t get on Sequoia. This is where you really see the Land Cruiser 300 Series roots.

But perhaps more people will realistically be using these SUVs on the street, so let’s discuss ride quality. They use standard adaptive dampers to help the ride qualities, but neither offer full air suspensions, meaning big bumps are largely cancelled out but truck-like vibrations are able to penetrate the cabins. Note that the Sequoia does have a rear air suspension but that exists for the purpose of load leveling and doesn’t seem to have a meaningful impact on the ride.

Luxury is also about isolation, so we took sound level readings of both at 55 MPH. We achieved significantly lower readings in the LX. The average human can hear a 1 dB difference and considering the LX came in over 3 dB quieter it’s safe to say it has the quieter cabin.

LX: 54.3 dB @ 55 MPH

SEQ: 57.9 dB @ 55 MPH

Finally, when it comes to fuel economy, you’d expect them to be close and indeed they are. They come in at an identical 20 MPG combined, but it’s worth noting the Lexus requires premium fuel unlike the Sequoia. That’ll cost you a lot more at the pump over the life of the vehicle.

LX 700h 4×4: 19/22/20 MPG

SEQ 4×4: 19/22/20 MPG

Value Assessment

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources, and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, these two excel: Toyota takes the number one spot for all vehicle brands 16 spots above industry average, while Lexus takes the number 1 luxury brand spot and is the 10 slots above average.

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, both do well. The Toyota comes in at a predicted resale percent of 64.50% and the Lexus, as usual with luxury cars, comes in less at 53.8%.

Resale is obviously important because it determines how much money you get back, but we can’t forget about the price difference at the original purchase. There is a whopping $33,000  difference between the two of them.

I want to emphasize that if money, reliability or resale value matter less to you personally, feel free to disregard these points. And if you’d like to check out all our data about reliability and resale values, as well as learn about our methodology, make sure to head to www.carconfections.com/resale and www.carconfections.com/reliability. Buying a car is a big decision, and this is a great place to compare all the makes you might be cross-shopping.

2025 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2025 Lexus LX Winner!

So that’s it for another exciting comparison, between these two Toyota flagship siblings! Let’s quickly recap here and discuss who should be “your” personal winner.

Sequoia: 

• Tows more
• Space (cargo and second/third rows)
• Value ($33k less)

LX: 

• Luxury cabin materials
• Boujee features (cool box, Mark Levinson audio, soft close doors)
• Off-road prowess (triple lockers, standard height adjustable suspension)

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!