2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from 2018. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the interior design felt dated, reminiscent of mid-2000s aesthetics. The cabin was spacious, yet the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. However, the second-row seats offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia came in various trims, each adding unique features, from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-ready TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, showcased a sharp, streamlined design that felt both familiar and distinct. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid's interior felt dated, with a radical design that had become commonplace in Lexus models. The Black Line treatment added unique touches, but material quality seemed more mainstream than luxury. The NX Hybrid's interior offered comfort, especially in the front seats, but rear space was cramped, and visibility was hindered by thick pillars.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided strong acceleration, though the transmission felt outdated compared to modern multi-speed options. The Sequoia's driving dynamics resembled a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, but it lagged behind competitors in towing capacity, maxing out at 7,400 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled under heavy acceleration. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, emphasizing the NX Hybrid's focus on efficiency rather than excitement.

The Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a standout feature, offering convenient access to the cargo area. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided ample storage options, though newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX Hybrid's design aimed for a sporty feel, with high-rising dashboard and door sides, but visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars.

The Sequoia's infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Despite its dated interface, the system was user-friendly, with large buttons and simple menus. The digital trip computer was small but functional, offering a straightforward experience.

The Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a cumbersome Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported modern smartphone connectivity, the system felt outdated, with difficult-to-read menus and basic graphics. The base audio system was underwhelming, highlighting the need for an upgrade to the Mark Levinson system.

The Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While lacking advanced features like lane-keeping assist, it offered a comprehensive set of standard safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star NHTSA rollover rating.

The Lexus NX Hybrid earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with advanced driver aids like Lane Tracing Assist and traffic-sign recognition. The NX Hybrid's safety features were impressive for a luxury crossover, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.