Toyota Land Cruiser vs Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a new addition to the lineup, named after the year the ranch was established where the assembly plant now stands. This model built upon the Sequoia Platinum with features like machined-finish 20-inch wheels, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior quality was criticized for its extensive use of plastic, which detracted from the luxury feel. The exterior, however, with its Lunar Rock paint and TRD off-road wheels, managed to turn heads, even though the Sequoia had been on the market for a few years.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a more traditional SUV design with a focus on off-road capability. The base model, named the 1958, paid homage to the year the Land Cruiser first sold in the US, featuring a retro look with round headlights and basic equipment. The more upscale Land Cruiser model provided a modern appearance, larger screens, and additional off-roading features. The interior, especially with the Premium Package, was more refined than the 1958, offering leather upholstery and advanced technology. Despite its utilitarian design, the Land Cruiser was praised for its off-road prowess and comfortable daily driving experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was 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 power was channeled through a part-time 4WD system, offering various driving modes. Despite its muscular performance, the Sequoia's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging only 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The SUV's towing capacity was impressive at 9,010 pounds, but its driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability due to the low ground clearance.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. It came with a full-time 4WD system and a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Despite an EPA rating of 23 mpg, real-world testing showed a lower 15.7 mpg. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive, with noticeable body roll and a suspension tuned more for comfort than agility.

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 1794 Edition offered comfortable front seats with power adjustments and massage functions, but the long rear doors were cumbersome in tight spaces. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded, which was less than some competitors.

In the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, upgrading from the 1958 model added SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The Premium Package further enhanced the interior with real leather and a sunroof. While the front seats were comfortable, the second row lacked support, and the high load floor made cargo loading challenging. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 82.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing a practical and spacious interior for its class.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered various connected services, including cloud-based navigation and voice recognition, though many features required active subscriptions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided connectivity, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system delivered quality audio. However, the lack of a tuning knob was a notable oversight.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, with its upgraded 12.3-inch displays, offered a sophisticated infotainment experience. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with access to music streaming services. The Premium Package added a JBL sound system, wireless charging, and a digital rearview mirror. The voice recognition system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a suite of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While the technology was comprehensive, some features were overly sensitive, leading to false alerts. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings were not available from major safety organizations.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest in advanced driving assistance systems. It included features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control, with additional options available in the Premium Package. The system's performance varied, with some features proving more useful than others. The Land Cruiser received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in side-impact testing but a lower rollover resistance rating.