2026 Toyota Sequoia vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia presented a robust and utilitarian design, reminiscent of its Tundra pickup sibling. Its tall and wide stance, coupled with blocky features, gave it a commanding presence. The front showcased a large black grille, more contained than the Tundra's, with blacked-out elements confined within the grille itself. The side profile featured a stepped shoulder line from the hood to the front doors, with pronounced haunches over the wheels, adding to its chunky aesthetic. Black wheel flares were standard across most trims, except for the Capstone trim, which opted for body-colored flares. The rear was marked by a standard spoiler and Sequoia lettering on the tailgate, with wheel options ranging from 18 to 22 inches. Inside, the cabin continued the chunky theme with large dials suitable for gloved hands. The TRD Pro model emphasized a work-oriented interior with black synthetic leather upholstery, camouflage patterns, and red stitching. While soft-touch surfaces adorned parts of the cabin, hard plastics were prevalent, giving it a utilitarian feel rather than a luxurious one. Buyers could choose between cloth and leather upholstery, with higher trims offering more luxury features.

The 2026 Lexus TX, on the other hand, offered a more refined and luxurious appearance. Available in various trims, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the TX featured a large grille with a nod to the spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear showcased LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width, topped with a small roof spoiler. Roof rails added practicality for additional storage. The 550h+ trim stood out with a standard panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the TX provided a choice of interior colors, with the PHEV adding a unique Peppercorn option. Ambient lighting and suede trim enhanced the cabin's warmth, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles offered a modern touch, though some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. The TX's interior was spacious, with a focus on comfort and practicality, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia transitioned from a V8 to a hybrid powertrain, yet retained a powerful performance. Its twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 48 hp and 184 lb-ft. This setup delivered a V8-like experience, with strong acceleration and a 0-60 mph time of about six seconds. The Sequoia excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 9,520 pounds, aided by a haul mode and optional Tow Tech package. However, its handling was typical of a body-on-frame SUV, with noticeable body lean and slow steering. The TRD Pro model featured off-road enhancements, including a tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, making it ideal for rugged adventures. Despite its weight and ride height, the Sequoia offered a comfortable ride, with well-controlled jiggle over bumps.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a versatile driving experience with its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 550h+ model generated 404 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, with a full battery charge achievable in under three hours. The TX provided multiple drive modes, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only options, catering to various driving needs. Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom modes allowed further customization, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 550h+ prioritized a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. Its AWD system offered flexibility, distributing power between the front and rear wheels as needed. The TX excelled in comfort, making it an ideal choice for long road trips.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia offered ample space for seven or eight passengers, with standard power seat adjustments in the first row. While headroom and legroom were generous, the seats lacked long-trip comfort. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available on most trims. The second row provided good comfort, especially with captain's chairs, and offered USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet. Access to the third row was facilitated by tilting and flipping second-row seats, though the seating position was less comfortable for long trips. Cargo space was both a strength and a weakness, with limited space behind the third row but expandable with seats folded. The Sequoia's cargo area was less user-friendly compared to rivals, with a non-flat load floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX prioritized luxury and practicality, with standard features like multi-zone climate control and heated and cooled seats. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable console, while the third row provided ample space and comfort for adults. Access to the third row was easy with a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat required a specific sequence. The front seats were roomy but could benefit from more thigh support. The TX excelled in cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with seats folded. The TX's cargo area was accessible via a kick sensor in the liftgate, and all models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia featured a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 14-inch touchscreen available. The instrument cluster provided essential information, while the touchscreen offered shortcuts to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and vehicle settings. Standard tech included satellite radio, an eight-speaker audio system, Wi-Fi Connect, Remote Connect, and Safety Connect. Higher trims offered additional features like a head-up display and a JBL audio system. The Sequoia's tech was user-friendly, with climate controls and drive mode selectors within easy reach.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. The infotainment system occasionally conflicted with smartphone connectivity, and manual satellite radio input was unavailable. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were confusing to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though in-dash navigation required a subscription. The TX offered a clear back-up camera with an available bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged, and an available 120-volt outlet in the second row added convenience.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional standard features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia received mixed crash-test results from the IIHS, with top scores in some tests but lower ratings in others. The safety systems performed well during testing, though the wide tow mirrors posed visibility challenges. Toyota did not offer a hands-free highway driving system.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and more. Proactive Driving Assist was included but often turned off due to its sensitivity. Adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from the IIHS. The TX offered a hands-free driving option via subscription, enhancing its safety features.