2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The Premium trim level came with standard silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were optional. Despite its age, the GX's styling was coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a big presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 77 inches, width of 79.9 inches, and length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. The interior, however, appeared dated, with a flat dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and tight seams, making it durable for family use. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The GX's 5,130-pound weight affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with a sure-footed performance on curvy roads. Its body-on-frame construction and ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, with a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension enhancing its capabilities. The Sequoia's turning circle was 38.1 feet, and it offered excellent sightlines for daily driving.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, and the tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, with a power-folding third row available. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating in all three rows and three-zone climate control. The center console and glove compartment offered ample storage, and rear passengers had access to cupholders and power outlets. The cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third row opened up 66.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding both the second and third rows provided 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a digital clock-style display for time and temperature. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a user-friendly interface.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by modern digital dashboards. The Sequoia offered WiFi connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker audio system on the Limited trim. A premium audio package added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL system. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was all LED, and it featured a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but the GX missed out on features like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia also lacked crash-test ratings. It featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. The Sequoia included the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. It also had a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and other safety features.