Shopping for a 2025 Toyota Sequoia? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead

Miami Herald

a day ago

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia challenges full-size, three-row SUVs from GM, Ford, Jeep, and Nissan, offering similar size and width. Unlike its rivals, it's powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 gas/electric hybrid engine that sends 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. The EPA rates the Sequoia at a combined 22 mpg with rear-wheel drive or 20 mpg with all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 9,520 pounds, while payload is rated at 1,410 to 1,730 pounds, depending on trim and driveline. The new Tow Tech Package, available on all grades, includes Trailer Backup Guide and a Straight Path Assist. A wireless trailer camera system is another new option, and its ground clearance is 8.6 inches.
With a face and mechanicals borrowed from the full-size Toyota Tundra pickup, the Sequoia comes equipped with a solid-axle rear suspension that limits third-row room and results in less than 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Thankfully, passenger volume is better at 157 cubic feet. Top trims get standard massaging seats for 2025, enhancing their opulence in what is presumably a mainstream vehicle. A 14-inch infotainment touchscreen comes with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on all but the base SR5.
Piloting the Sequoia reveals light steering that makes herding it into a lane a constant chore, yet the Hybrid's instant torque helps alleviate the V-6's turbo lag, and it sounds like a V8. There's definitely more than enough power to make quick work of any driving chore, but you might wonder if there are better options.
It's hard to top the Chevrolet Tahoe when it comes to full-size, mainstream SUVs. For 2025, there's a new 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger. But one thing is unchanged: the Tahoe is far roomier than the Toyota, with 176 cubic feet of passenger space, including its surprisingly sizeable third row, along with an unstinting 26 cubic feet of cargo space. The payload ranges from 1,870 to 2,280 pounds and it sports 8 inches of ground clearance.
There's a choice of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, a 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, and a 305-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel. Opting for the larger V8 requires premium fuel, but the smaller V8 doesn't. The EPA rates the combined fuel economy of the Tahoe at 17 mpg with the small V8, 16 mpg with the large V8, and 24 mpg with the diesel. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 8,400 pounds, which is lower than its rivals. GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension is optional and delivers a comfortable ride without undue body motion. While no full-size SUV is truly nimble, this is an easy one to maneuver once accustomed to its size. There's more than sufficient power, too, making for a very satisfying full-size SUV.
While nearly as large as the Chevrolet and more sizable than the Toyota, the 2025 Ford Expedition provides 172 cubic feet of passenger room and 22 cubic feet of cargo volume. Payload ranges from 1,575 pounds to 1,758 pounds. Its instrument panel features a massive 24-inch horizontal display that houses both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, the latter of which is accessible through its 13.2-inch touchscreen mounted close to the driver on the center console. It integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google software, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Motivating the Ford Expedition is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission with rear- or four-wheel drive that makes 400 horsepower. Not enough? You can choose a high-output 440-horsepower V6, as well. EPA fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg with rear-drive, and 18 mpg with four-wheel drive. Towing is rated up to 9,600 pounds, while ground clearance is 8.7 inches. This Ford feels far faster than its competition, although it's not as pleasing to drive as its leviathan Detroit rivals. It nearly matches the Jeep for towing, but lacks the engine choices of the Chevrolet or the indulgent detailing of the Jeep or Nissan. Still, its speed and handsome, conservative good looks may be all that matters.
Four inches wider than the Ford yet just as long, the Nissan Armada is based on the Nissan Patrol, a similar model sold in the rest of the world. Its handsome, square-jawed exterior design encapsulates a cabin with 162 cubic feet of passenger space and 20 cubic feet of cargo volume. That trails its Detroit competitors, but still tops the Toyota. However, its payload capacity is competitive, ranging from 1,444 to 1,846 pounds, and it offers 9.6 to 11.6 cubic feet of ground clearance, depending on the trim level. The Armada comes with dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, although they're two inches larger on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging come standard on all but the base models.
Last year's V-8 has been replaced by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that generates 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, 25 horsepower and 103 pound-feet more than last year's V8. The EPA rates the Armada at 16-18 mpg, depending on the trim, on premium unleaded fuel. A nine-speed automatic transmission comes with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and towing is rated at 8,500 pounds. That's less than the Toyota or Ford, but comparable to the Chevrolet. A new off-road package features 20-inch all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, an electronic air suspension, and selectable drive modes. The suspension is tuned for off-road comfort, which brings out body lean while cornering. Steering is nicely weighted, and pricier models provide a luxury experience in mainstream couture.
Of the SUVs here, none surpass the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer's size. At 215 inches long, its cabin provides a massive 179 cubic feet of passenger space and 26 cubic feet of cargo space. Yet somehow, it doesn't drive as large as it is. A 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder powerplant and 8-speed automatic transmission come standard with a choice of three available 4×4 systems. Towing is rated at 10,000 pounds, depending on the axle ratio. EPA fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg with all-wheel drive using regular unleaded. A fully independent suspension is standard, something not true of others here. A Quadra-lift air suspension with semi-active damping and a solid or hollow stabilizer bar is optional. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches with the standard suspension and 10 inches with the air suspension.
The Wagoneer returns a surprisingly refined experience with ideally weighted steering and a supple, comforting ride. It can be fitted with a blizzard of screens, including a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger. As you'd expect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Amazon FireTV, Alexa, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard.
The Chevrolet is easily the best choice here, unless you need more muscle for towing. Then, we'd opt for the Jeep, which also offers the most spacious cabin. The biggest surprise is the Nissan, which is far more competitive than you'd expect, but its premium fuel requirement is cause for concern. The Ford proves less captivating, despite its muscle. The Toyota's hybrid driveline is impressive, and its towing capacity is strong, but its spaciousness is noticeably lacking compared to its rivals. Which one is best for you?
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