Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a nod to its Texas roots, named after the year the ranch was established where the assembly plant now stands. This full-size SUV aimed to capture attention with its machined-finish 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, and Saddle Tan leather upholstery, complemented by American walnut wood trim. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior was a mix of luxury and typical Toyota-grade plastic, which detracted from its premium feel. The TRD Off-Road Package added rugged elements like a TRD front skid plate and off-road wheels, but the overall aesthetic was a blend of elegance and ruggedness that stood out on the road.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner shared design cues with the Tacoma pickup, featuring a muscular look with pronounced haunches and black wheel flares. The front grille was high and aggressive, especially on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models, which boasted heritage-inspired front ends. The interior was utilitarian, with chunky control dials and an abundance of hard plastic, offering practicality over luxury. The 4Runner's design was more about function, with cloth upholstery standard and synthetic leather for easy cleaning on off-road models. Despite its rugged appeal, the cabin lacked the high-end feel, even with leather upholstery in higher trims.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided muscular performance, though it fell short in fuel efficiency, averaging only 16.2 mpg in real-world testing. The Sequoia's towing capacity was impressive at 9,010 pounds, but its driving dynamics were compromised by a solid rear axle and a high-mounted battery pack, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability due to a low ground clearance of 8.6 inches.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner offered two powertrains, with the base i-Force engine delivering 278 horsepower and the i-Force Max hybrid system boosting output to 326 horsepower. Despite the torque advantage, the hybrid 4Runner wasn't particularly quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the mid-to-low seven-second range. The 4Runner excelled off-road, thanks to its part-time 4WD system, Multi-Terrain System, and features like a locking rear differential and Bilstein dampers. However, its on-road dynamics were compromised by a body-on-frame platform, resulting in a bouncy ride and notable lean in corners.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals due to limited headroom. The front seats offered comfort with power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the high floor and low roof made accessing the third row awkward, and cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner was available in two- or three-row configurations, seating up to seven. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and heating available on higher trims. The second row offered decent space but lacked thigh support, and the third row was cramped with only 31.8 inches of legroom. Cargo space was competitive with midsize rivals, offering up to 90.2 cubic feet in two-row models, though the hybrid powertrain reduced available space due to a higher load floor.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered various connected services, including cloud-based navigation and remote engine starting, though many features required active subscriptions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 14-speaker JBL sound system. The lack of a tuning knob was a minor annoyance, and the voice recognition system had limitations in executing certain commands.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, expandable to 12.3 inches and 14 inches, respectively, on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick access to functions and responsive performance. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a satellite radio trial, and a wireless phone charger on most trims. The digital instrument cluster offered customizable information, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. While the safety features were comprehensive, the lane assist systems could be intrusive. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable.

The 2026 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. It also had blind-spot monitors and traffic-jam assist. Despite being redesigned, the 4Runner received mixed crash-test ratings, with four stars from the NHTSA and a Marginal score from the IIHS in certain tests. However, it performed well in side crash tests and front crash prevention.