What’s the Difference Between the Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia?
Toyota is known for its variety of functional, everyday vehicles. But if you want a larger-than-life, adventure-ready SUV, you might be intrigued by the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Sequoia. But what are the differences between these two SUVs?
The major difference between the Land Cruiser and Sequoia is luxury
Even though it wears a Toyota badge, the Land Cruiser is technically a luxury vehicle; the 2020 model starts at $85,415. It competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Lincoln Navigator. The 2020 Land Cruiser stands out in this year’s large luxury SUV class for its savory power and exceptional off-road capability.
For its size, the Land Cruiser is notably smooth and energetic. This four-wheel-drive SUV gets its power from a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Critics like Edmunds favor the Land Cruiser for its smoothness on-and off-road. Drivers also recognize the Land Cruiser for its 8,500-pound towing capacity. Although reviewers note that it can be a bit clumsy at times, its handling is secure. Besides the lack of agility, the Land Cruiser’s fuel economy is another downside to be aware of. It has a fuel economy rating of 14 mpg overall.
Another difference between the Land Cruiser and Toyota Sequoia
Toyota’s Sequoia is far more attainable to buy new than the Land Cruiser. According to Edmunds, the 2020 Sequoia ranges between $49,980 and $69,245. Like the Land Cruiser, the Sequoia is a family-friendly SUV that’s also capable of off-roading adventures.
The Sequoia has the same V8 engine that the Land Cruiser does, but it’s standard with a six-speed automatic. That said, the Sequoia isn’t as smooth on pavement and is known to jostle. It’s also worth mentioning that while the Sequoia can hit the trails, the Land Cruiser offers more off-road features.
Fuel economy also isn’t a highlight on the Sequoia, but its truck-like capability comes in handy. The Sequoia can tow up to 7.400 pounds. However, these ratings are low for the class, according to U.S. News.
How do the Land Cruiser and Sequoia compare on the inside?
Both the Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia can seat up to eight people. The Sequoia is more generous with the available head- and legroom on each row compared to the Land Cruiser. On the other hand, the LC cabin has more high-quality finishings, while Sequoia is heavier on plastic.
The Land Cruiser is standard with leather seats and offers a grand cabin, but it doesn’t have some comfort features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Leather is available as an upgrade on the Sequoia, and it provides more modern infotainment features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These Toyotas are more evenly matched with active safety equipment and come with features including blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning.
Final thoughts on the Land Cruiser vs. Sequoia debate
The Land Cruiser and the Sequoia are capable and extremely reliable. Out of the two, the Sequoia is more practical and family-friendly. The Land Cruiser is ideal for those who can afford to splurge on refinement and simplicity. Depending on what your plans are with either one of these full-size vehicles, both will get the job done. The good news is that you have more than one good choice, which is always preferable to not having enough choices.
