Comparison - Toyota Sequoia platinum 2017 - vs - Lexus RX 350 2017

The Sequoia received an updated version of Toyota’s Entune entertainment system for 2016, which featured Connected Navigation and Siri Eyes Free functionality. The Safety and Convenience package was added to the Limited trim, and added blind spot warning, lane change assist and driver’s side memory seat and side mirrors. There are no changes for the 2017 model.

The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is a full-size three-row SUV offered with rear- or four-wheel-drive, with seating for up to eight passengers.

The Sequoia offers a single engine and powertrain, a 5.7-liter V-8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 4.6-liter V-8 was dropped from the lineup in the 2013 model year. While power output is competitive for its class, fuel economy is not, with the Sequoia lagging class leaders by a significant margin. Cargo space is generous, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 66.6 cubic feet behind the second row, and a voluminous 120.1 cubic feet behind the front seats. The Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds.

The Sequoia shares an assembly plant with the midsize Highlander crossover in Princeton, Indiana

Pros
Generous interior space
Sprightly acceleration
Surprising agility for size

Cons
Numb and over-boosted steering
Exterior styling showing age
Poor fuel economy

The 2017 Toyota Sequoia hasn't kept up with the times, even for a body-on-frame SUV. Look closely at the competition.
The Sequoia has aged well outside, but its oversized interior shapes and controls are nothing to look at.

A muscular V-8 helps the Sequoia accelerate with authority.
Though there's good room for passengers in the first two rows, the Sequoia's interior pales in comparison to rivals.

We don't much full crash test data on the Sequoia, but its lack of automatic emergency braking is a concern.
Though there aren't many especially high tech features, the Sequoia comes well-equipped at the entry level.

At 14 mpg combined, the Sequoia is well off the mark of more modern rivals.

Pros
Effortless V-8 power
Tows like a champ
Comfortable ride

Cons
V-8 is a real guzzler
Interior doesn't feel up to the price
And that price is rather hefty

The Toyota Sequoia is unchanged for 2017.

The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is worth a look if a traditional three-row SUV is in your future. Though it lacks some of the latest tech and safety features, its seating for eight, legitimate off-road and towing capabilities, and substantial cargo room make it a capable rig for doing just about anything.

The current generation Sequoia has been around for nine years now without a redesign. That's a long time in the automotive industry, and it's mostly apparent in the Sequoia's dated infotainment system and lack of the latest driver safety aids such as lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation. And in general, know that other big crossover SUVs can provide similar amounts of interior room to the Sequoia but with superior fuel economy and a better combination of ride comfort and secure handling.

But as traditional SUVs go, the Sequoia still offers a more comfortable ride than many in its class, especially when equipped with the Platinum trim's air suspension. It's also pretty capable off-road thanks to its substantial ground clearance, though obviously this isn't a vehicle you'll want to try to squeeze down a tight, narrow trail. Overall, the Sequoia isn't our top pick for a big three-row SUV, but there are enough positives that it's worth considering.

Pros
Cargo area is one of the largest in this class
For a big SUV, it rides pretty comfortably over bumps
The flexible seating arrangement allows for up to eight passengers
Respectable off-road capability for a big SUV

Cons
Even among V8-powered SUVs, fuel economy is poor
Audio and front central cupholders are hard to reach
Touchscreen is small by 2017 standards
Lacking some of the latest advanced driver aids