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Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Detailed Comparison + Buying Guide

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Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Detailed Comparison + Buying Guide

Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia are two Hot SUVs with loads of add-ons and impressive all-terrain performance. From their towing capacity to their cargo space, each element seems to be on par with the current market competition.

There are many differences among these SUVs. For example, there is a significant difference when it comes to pricing and fuel economy. So, it becomes a tough ask for a consumer to choose between the two.

Considering the demand of our users and the general audience, we decided to compare these SUV’s in detail. This guide has all you need to know about the Toyota Land Cruiser Vs the Sequoia. So, let us get into it!

A 1st gen Sequoia parked with a trailer towed at the back

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.

Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity

Toyota Sequoia is also not behind when it comes to towing low to medium-sized trailers. 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: 9520 pounds (depending on trim and engine configuration)

Payload capacity: anywhere from 1730 – 1985 pounds

Towing tech: Trailer Backup Guide, Straight Path Assist, integrated trailer brake controller, Tow/Haul mode, rearview camera with guidelines.

The Sequoia shines in ease of towing. The hybrid torque delivers smoother acceleration under heavy loads.

Which One’s Better?

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 – Specifications

Here is a detailed look at the specifications of the 2025 Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia. We have considered 2025 models for this comparison.

Category Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota Sequoia
Starting MSRP (USD) $56,700 $62,425
Engine 2.4 L 4-cylinder i-FORCE MAX Hybrid i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid (3.4 L)
Horsepower 326 hp 437 hp
Torque 465 lb-ft 583 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed automatic 10-speed automatic
Drivetrain Full-time 4WD Rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive (standard on TRD Pro)
Fuel Economy (EPA MPG) 22 city / 25 highway / 23 combined 21 city / 24 highway / 22 combined (RWD); 19 / 22 / 20 combined (4WD)
Towing Capacity 6,000 lbs 8,980 – 9,520 lbs (depending on drive and trim)
Seating Capacity 8 Passengers 8 (standard bench) or 7 (with captain’s chairs)
Cargo Space 38 cu ft (behind 2nd row) / 82 cu ft (max) 12 / 49 / 89 cu ft (behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st rows)
Curb Weight 5,639 lbs 6,150 lbs
Infotainment 8″ touchscreen standard; available 12.3″; wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; available JBL 14-speaker audio 8″ touchscreen standard; available 14″; 8-speaker standard; available JBL 14-speaker audio
Safety Additions Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (Pre-Collision w/PD, Full-Speed DRCC, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist); blind-spot monitor; adaptive cruise Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (PCS w/PD, LDA w/SA, DRCC, AHB, RSA, LTA)
Off-Road Add-Ons Crawl Control; Multi-Terrain Select; electronic locking diffs; Stabilizer Disconnect; 2400 W inverter Available TRD Pro off-road suspension; Multi-Terrain Select; Crawl Control; electronic locking rear diff
Warranty Coverage Basic: 3 yr/36 k mi; Powertrain: 5 yr/60 k mi; Hybrid comp.: 10 yr/150 k mi; Toyota Care 2 yr/25 k mi Basic: 3 yr/36 k mi; Powertrain: 5 yr/60 k mi; Hybrid comp.: 10 yr/150 k mi; Toyota Care 2 yr/25 k mi
A 2021 Land Cruiser 200 off-roading in the Desert

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.

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.
  • Kid 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.

On the other hand, Sequoia is also a reasonably good SUV for all types of off-road adventures. Available in a total of six trimsa>, the off-road-centric TRD Pro trim delivers the best off-road performance.

Sequoia TRD Pro Add-ons:

  • 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
2025 Toyota Sequoia Drive Mode Knob

Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Value Added Features

Next comes the question about the maximum value a customer gets out of both these machines. Well, there is no doubt that both of these SUV’s have a proven reliability track that gives much-needed peace of mind to the new customers.

But still, there has to be a comparison between the two so that you can choose the best of the two. So, here is our take on it!

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 – 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
  • 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.
2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited with IForce Max Badging

Toyota Land Cruiser Vs Sequoia – Reliability

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.

People 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. Starting from 2023, Toyota has improved the Sequoia by enhancing its construction, integrating better technology, and boosting overall efficiency

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:

1. 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.

2. Fuel Economy & Powertrain:

The hybrid i-FORCE MAX in the Toyota Sequoia improves fuel economy and delivers higher power output during highway driving or towing.

Toyota Land Cruiser’s turbocharged V6 engine gives you a good balance between performance and control when off-roading.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Interior Overview

3. Interior Space:

Sequoia wins here as it offers better cargo space and more space in the third row. The Land Cruiser also has a good interior. However, it isn’t that featured pack.

4. Budget:

If you are looking for value without options in the lower trim levels, the Land Cruiser 1958 edition competes 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.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Cruisng alongsid a highway

Final Thoughts!

So, that was our take on the Toyota Land Cruiser vs Sequoia comparison. 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.

Whereas, the Sequoia is a family-oriented full-size SUV that blends technology, hybrid economy, and great towing capacity into one nice package.

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?

The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Series is only called the Toyota Land Cruiser in the U.S., which came back in 2024 after a brief 1-year hiatus. It replaced the old Land Cruiser 200 Series and is positioned between the Toyota 4Runner and Toyota Sequoia.

Did the Toyota Sequoia replace the Land Cruiser?

Not necessarily. Toyota discontinued the Land Cruiser 200 Series in the U.S. after 2021, and the Sequoia was now the largest Toyota sold in the U.S. for SUVs. However, in 2024, the Land Cruiser returned as a new, slightly less sizeable off-road type SUV, and is not the direct replacement for the 200, 210, or the Sequoia itself.

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.

Wahad

Being an automotive enthusiast, Wahad likes to write about various vehicles including but not limited to SUVs, Pickup trucks, and vans. He is currently associated with FLEX Automotive as an associate writer.