When we talk about big SUVs known for lasting a long time, working well, and being great off-road, we can’t skip the Toyota Land Cruiser vs Sequoia chat. Both these SUV’s come from Toyota’s strong past of trusty building. They fit family trips, fun times, and wild trail explorers. Even though they rock the same logo… each stands out on its own. The Land Cruiser is famous worldwide for handling rough trails; the Sequoia offers lots of room, comfort, and modern tech for American families and roads.
In this full guide, I’ll throw the Toyota Land Cruiser against the Sequoia. We’ll look at how much each can pull, how they handle off-road, their gas use, and how long they keep running well. So, let us get started!
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is an important factor when looking at full-size SUVs especially if you plan to haul boats, trailers, campers or heavy gear. In this battle of Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia, both SUVs will be good at towing, but there are clear differences depending on engine configurations, design and utilization.
Toyota Land Cruiser Towing Capacity
Built on the legendary TNGA-F platform, both the Toyota Land Cruiser and its latest 300 Series version are fitted with a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission.
Even as the latest model year rolls around, the Land Cruisers are still absent from American roads; yet, everywhere else around the world, this model continues to maintain its unmistakable reputation for dependability in getting the job done (as well as other vehicles pull trailers)
| Max Towing Capacity: | Approx. 8,100 lbs |
| Payload Capacity: | Approximately 1,500–1,650 lbs |
| Towing Technology: | From integrated trailer brake controllers to multi-terrain select or crawl control to help navigate mountainous terrains while towing. |
The true towing strengths of the Land Cruiser stem from its full-time 4WD and its powertrain, which has plenty of torque: excellent for off-roading and towing in rugged conditions, no matter if you’re towing an overland trailer through the mountains or towing a boat to the lake.
Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity
The all-new Toyota Sequoia was redesigned on the same TNGA-F platform as the Land Cruiser. It offers fresh performance thanks to the hybrid powertrain (i-FORCE MAX). The Sequoia is built with American families and road trips in mind, and the towing specs are surprisingly class-leading—in fact, even beating the Land Cruiser.
| Maximum towing capacity: | 9,520 pounds (depending on trim and engine configuration) |
| Payload capacity: | Anywhere from 1,730–1,985 pounds |
| Towing tech: | Trailer Backup Guide, Straight Path Assist, integrated trailer brake controller, Tow/Haul mode, rearview camera with guidelines. |
So, the Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity is excellent. The hybrid torque delivers smoother acceleration under heavy loads, and the extra towing devices lead to safer and simpler trailer maneuvers—even for first-time towers.
Which One’s Better?
If all you’re looking at are numbers, the Toyota Sequoia is the winner by a margin of 1,420 lbs in tow capacity (the Sequoia rated at 9,520 lbs versus the Land Cruiser at 8,100 lbs). But it is not only about the numbers in towing; the Sequoia has packaging and technological capabilities focused on towing and ease of towing.
Of course, if you have sporadic off-road towing and the possibility of uncharted environments, the off-road DNA and specific features of the Land Cruiser will lend themselves better to adventure.
If towing is your number one priority, and you want modern convenience and tons of modern features, and maximum capacity, lean towards the Sequoia. That said, if your towing will likely involve difficult terrain, off-grid, and/or international overlanding, I’d still be intrigued with the Land Cruiser.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Off-Road Performance
The comparison of the Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia gets especially interesting when we explore the off-road performance and capabilities of these two SUVs. Although both share the same TNGA-F strong body-on-frame architecture, they serve very different customers.
One of the ultimate off-road icons, the Land Cruiser has a legacy due to its performance in some of the toughest environments on earth. Sequoia aims at providing an ambiance of comfort and practicality for its occupants, and is fine for light off-road use to moderate off-road applications.
Toyota Land Cruiser – Built for Serious Terrain
In deserts, mountains, and jungles, as well as anything else you can throw at it, the Land Cruiser knows no bounds. Whether you’re rock crawling in Moab, wading down a muddy trail in the Amazon, or having an off-road adventure elsewhere on Earth–Land Cruiser is built for all!
The Land Cruiser has several key off-road features:
- Full-Time 4WD with a Torsen Limited Slip Differential.
- Multi-Terrain Select, which configures traction control based on the terrain (mud, sand, rock, etc.).
- Crawl Control, low-speed cruise control for difficult terrain.
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), to increase wheel articulation.
- Skid plates; they come standard on most trims.
- Approach/Departure Angles: Amazing clearance, about 32° approach and 24° departure.
- Ground Clearance: ~8.9 inches or more, depending on your market and variant.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series is no different and continues with improved cabin rigidity, weight savings, and more torque from the twin-turbo V6 engine increases climbing power and easier control over difficult obstacles.
Toyota Sequoia – Off-Road Capable with a Comfortable Edge
Although the Toyota Sequoia may not be the rock-crawling beast that the Land Cruiser is, the latest iterations are surprisingly competent – especially by opting for the TRD Pro trim which boasts serious off-road equipment and design features.
Sequoia TRD Pro Off-Road Considerations:
- Selectable Part-Time 4WD with Low-Ratio
- Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
- TRD-Tuned FOX Off-Road Shocks – soak up tough knocks
- Skid Plates & Tow Hooks – standard equipment on TRD models
- Approach/Departure Angles – approach ~23°, departure 20°
- Ground Clearance – ~8.6 inches
The hybrid drivetrain provides instantaneous torque that is helpful to climb steep hills or navigate tight trails, and the suspension upgrades in TRD models make the Sequoia better suited to trail use than prior models.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Value Added Features
When considering a full-size SUV like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Sequoia, people are not just looking for power and space—what they really want are premium offerings that allow them greater versatility, comfort, and safety.
Both SUV’s are well-equipped, however they are designed with value in different ways for their intended purpose, rugged utility vs family practicality.
Toyota Land Cruiser – Key Value Added Features:
- Full-Time 4WD System – system is fully engaged and ready 24/7 (primed for off-road)
- Multi-Terrain Select + Crawl Control – automatically adjusts traction settings for different terrains
- Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) – assists off-road wheel articulation
- 12.3-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment System – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Premium Interior Finishes – leather seats, wooden accents, and quality soft touch surfaces
- Heated and Ventilated Front and Rear Seats – great comfort year-round
- 360-Degree Camera System – includes underbody terrain view
- Adaptive Variable Suspension – adjusts damping force with environmental changes
- Power Moonroof + Ambient Lighting – provides a sense of a premium cabin environment.
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ – includes a pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, dynamic radar cruise control, etc.
Toyota Sequoia – Key Value Added Features:
- I-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain – instant torque, improved fuel economy, and robust power plant.
- Panoramic View Monitor – assists with parking and hooking up a trailer
- Available Third-Row Power-Folding Seats – convenience of button press
- 14-Inch HD Touchscreen – one of the largest in the segment
- Wireless Smartphone Charging – keeps your devices powered on the go
- TRD Pro Off-Road Enhancements – FOX shocks, skid plates, TRD wheels (in TRD trims)
- Heated & Ventilated Front & Rear Seats – standard in upper trims.
- Digital Rearview Mirror – has a wide-open view behind the vehicle.
- 12-Speaker JBL Premium Audio System – produces rich, immersive sound.
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 – a suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Reliability
Both Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia are trusted brands in the SUV market when it comes to reliability. Toyota, as a brand, is well-known for building high-quality vehicles which last long, and these two vehicles are no exception.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has a reputation as one of the reliable SUVs ever made. Its presence as a worldwide vehicle in some of the most challenging conditions in the world, whether it’s Africa, Australia, or the Middle East, shows its mechanical durability.
Owners often share just how long they’ll have their ‘Cruisers for, one of the more common numbers is 300,000+ miles from regular maintenance. The Land Cruiser offers proven engines, robust materials, and simplified electronics that enhance the lifespan of the vehicle, and the fewer electronic gizmos there are, the less chance you have of dealing with long-term issues.
Conversely, the Toyota Sequoia is also reliable and has a good reliability report, especially in the last couple of generations, due to the very competent i-FORCE MAX hybrid system.
Sequoias are typically known to last about 200,000–300,000 miles and are loved by families because they need very little for repairs and are built well.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Price
Here’s a price comparison table between both models based on the latest generation and trims available in 2025:
| Vehicle | Trim | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser 250 | 1958 Base | $55,000 |
| Land Cruiser Premium | $61,000 | |
| First Edition | $68,000 | |
| Toyota Sequoia (i-FORCE MAX) | SR5 | $62,425 |
| Limited | $67,675 | |
| Platinum | $68,825 | |
| TRD Pro | $80,295 | |
| Capstone | $83,915 |
Pricing
In the argument of Toyota Sequoia vs Land Cruiser costs, the Land Cruiser base trim starts with a lower price. But comparing higher trims, the Sequoia offers more tech and hybrid power for similar or slightly more money. If off-roading is not your primary focus, and you are looking to maximize features per dollar, the Sequoia also provides more value as a whole in terms of price and amenities.
Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Buying Guide
When deciding between the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia, it comes down to what you need, your lifestyle, and driving conditions. Here are some things to think about before you buy a used Toyota Sequoia:
- Primary Use:
If you plan to use the vehicle for serious off-roading and traveling to remote locations, go with the Land Cruiser.
If you need a family hauler, which provides comfort, power, and some off-road capability, go with the Sequoia. - Fuel Economy & Powertrain:
Toyota Sequoia’s hybrid i-FORCE MAX is going to sustain you a little better in fuel economy and give you higher power output when you’re on the highway or towing.
Toyota Land Cruiser’s turbocharged V6 engine gives you a good balance between performance and control when off-roading. - Interior Space:
Sequoia wins here as it offers larger cargo space and more space in the third row. - Budget:
If you are looking for value without options in the lower trim levels – the Land Cruiser 1958 edition compete very well with the Sequoia.
If you want something with premium features, the Sequoia Limited or TRD Pro gives you more technology at a similar price.
Final Thoughts!
In the definition battle of the Toyota Land Cruiser Vs the Sequoia, both SUVs shine in their unique areas. The Land Cruiser is an off-road superstar that is tried and tested, and with this rugged vehicle, you can trust it to get you through any terrain you encounter.
The Sequoia is a family-oriented full-size SUV that blends technology, hybrid economy, and strong towing capacity into one nice package.
If you want a rugged, global SUV that delivers proven reliability, the Land Cruiser is the one for you, but if you want space, comfort, and a more modern powertrain, the Sequoia is the right fit. In the end, it all comes down to what is important to you, trail-busting robustness or everyday family vehicle versatility.
The Toyota Sequoia is now available at Flex Automotive. We sell and customize various types of Toyota SUVs and pickup trucks, including but not limited to 4Runners, Land Cruisers, Lexus GX, Tacomas, and Tundras. Get your lovely Toyota pickup truck or SUV customized by experts at Flex Automotive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better, the Toyota Sequoia or the Toyota Land Cruiser?
It depends on what you are looking for. The Toyota Land Cruiser is better for extreme off-roading, durability, and prestige, while the Toyota Sequoia is better for everyday driving, towing, family trips, and lots of features with technology.
What is the Toyota Land Cruiser called in the US?
In the U.S., the vehicle is still called the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, some earlier versions of the smaller Land Cruiser variant (like the Land Cruiser Prado) were sold under different names, such as the Lexus GX.
But the main full-size model has always been marketed as the Land Cruiser in the United States.
Did the Toyota Sequoia replace the Land Cruiser?
No, the Toyota Sequoia didn’t officially replace the Land Cruiser. However, it now serves as Toyota’s main full-size SUV in the U.S. after the Land Cruiser’s brief exit.
What is the best year to buy a Sequoia?
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was likely one of the best years to buy what they are selling. It was the first year of a new generation (a hybrid only powertrain), completely redesigned with new bold styling and a hybrid powertrain. It has many updated features powered with technology especially off-road in TRD trims.
