Off-road enthusiasts and fans of the Japanese automaker were disappointed when Toyota announced that the 2022 Land Cruiser would not be coming to the U.S. Instead, Toyota’s luxury sub-brand Lexus will fill the void with the new LX 600 SUV, and there is something else to come. The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia was revealed earlier this year, which raises these outstanding questions. Why would Toyota deny North America the treasured Land Cruiser, and does the new Toyota Sequoia offer better value than the new Lexus LX 600? Here’s Off Road Xtreme’s quick comparison of the two models.

Powerplants & Performance

The new Toyota Sequoia, comes standard across all trims with a twin-turbocharged V6 iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. The powerplant comes mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and produces 437 HP of maximum power and 583 lb-ft of peak torque. This same drivetrain is also available in the flagship 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, Platinum, and Capstone models.

For the 2022 model year, Lexus’ LX nameplate also ditches its V8 powerplant in favor of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 motor which produces 409 HP of power and 479 lb-ft of maximum torque. Like the new Sequoia, this powerplant is coupled to a direct shift-10AT gearbox.

Suspension Setup: 2022 Lexus LX 600

The automaker’s all-new GA-F platform, which is derived from the 300 Series Land Cruiser and shared across all of Toyota’s new trucks and SUVs also underpins the 2022 Lexus LX 600. The new lightweight vehicle architecture has been designed with a reduced center of gravity. Compared to the previous model, the new LX 600 weighs 441 lbs less, which according to the company, improves the stability of the SUV.

At the front, we find a high-mounted double-wishbone suspension setup with coil springs. The 2022 Lexus LX 600 carries forward its predecessor’s rear lateral control arms and four-link axle-type suspension. So that it can take on rough terrains, Lexus placed the rear shock absorber outside of the lower control arm, which helps them better cope with vertical movements.

Suspension Setup: 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia also gets independent suspension up front and an electronic power steering system. The rear-end rides on a solid axle multi-link suspension system, also available with load-leveling height control. The new Toyota Sequoia shares its suspension setup with the 2022 Tundra except for the gear ratios.

Customers can also opt for an optional off-road package which will add on TRD Pro features like a rear-locking differential, downhill assist, special 18-inch wheels, upgraded shocks, crawl control, and multi-terrain select with monitoring system. The rear locking differential ensures that torque is distributed evenly between the wheels.

Off Road Xtreme’s Take

Toyota has not announced the pricing of the 2023 Sequoia, but we expect the prices for the entry-level SR5 trim to start just north of $50,000. The new Sequoia offers enough features to keep the family happy but also offers impressive off-road capability courtesy of its Tundra-sourced underpinnings.

The Lexus LX6, on the other hand, is a little down on power, but it’s a more premium offering. With its lightweight platform and sophisticated suspension system, this luxurious SUV can easily cruise on the freeways and dominate rough terrains when the going gets tough.