2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model in Celestial Silver giving off a somewhat dated "cop car" vibe. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed it into a playful "Tonka truck" look. Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, featuring a blocky, geometric dashboard layout with physical dials and buttons. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a mix of fabric, SofTex, and leather options. The seating was power-adjustable across the lineup, and every Sequoia came with a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, didn't drastically change its design but evolved with a bulkier and more industrial exterior. The horseshoe-shaped grilles returned, complemented by deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with features like the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Toyota Tacoma, with a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. It was designed to endure off-road punishment, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD, compared to the previous 14 mpg. The TRD Pro model came with 4WD and off-road features like a skid plate and a part-time system with 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD options. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate. The TRD Off-Road package added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RWD was standard on some trims, with 4WD available as an option. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter inside, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. It was more composed on pavement, with improved handling and steering. The 4Runner lineup included nine trims with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most impressive.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, making it easier for shorter individuals to enter the vehicle. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row bench seats folded down at the push of a button. The Sequoia's legroom measurements placed it behind rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase. However, the gains in passenger space were minimal. The front seats provided ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but offered limited space. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and off-road controls grouped together. The 4Runner's cargo capacity was slightly smaller, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid model. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The Sequoia featured a full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display and a Panoramic View monitor. A 10-inch color head-up display was standard on Capstone and available on Platinum. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited trim and standard on Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch touchscreen available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were offered. Hybrid variants included a digital instrument panel. Off-road-focused models featured external camera views and automatic camera activation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable center speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based access.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a traffic sign reader, and automatic high beams. The Proactive Driving Assist feature automatically slowed the vehicle when approaching curves, but it could be disabled. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional. Crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma, on which the 4Runner is based, was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.