Toyota Sequoia vs Toyota 4Runner Comparison

The Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner are iconic SUVs known for their reliability, practicality, and dependability. How are they different? The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV while the Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV with both offering a third-row as an option.
Both SUVs are rugged and capable off-roaders with their foundations based on their pickup truck siblings the Toyota Tundra and HiLux.
The Sequoia was introduced in 2000 and is currently on its 3rd generation while the 4Runner was introduced in 1983 and is currently on its 6th generation.
Due to its size, the Sequoia has a large, more upscale, and comfortable cabin capable of accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on seat configuration, the 4Runner is also available in a seven-seat configuration, but due to its size the third row is so limited, and the cargo area is significantly reduced with the seat in use.

	Toyota Sequoia	Toyota 4Runner
Capacity/Doors	5 doors / 8 seater	4 doors / 5 seater
Torque	427 Nm - 544 Nm	376 Nm – 382 Nm
Top Speed	180 Kph	180 kph
0-100 km/h	7.1 sec - 12.8 sec	8.2 sec
Max Power	381 hp - 437 hp	157 hp – 270 hp
Engine	3.4L	2.0L – 4.7L
Fuel Tank Capacity	100L	55L – 91L
Key Features	Heated/Ventilated Front Seats, Moonroof, Three-Zone Climate Control, Rear-Seat Controls	Crawl Control, Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), Multi-Terrain Select
Fuel Consumption	6.5 Km/L – 11.5 Km/L	6.8 Km/L – 8.0 Km/L
Length x Width x Height	5.21×2.03×1.96 m	4.83×1.92×1.82 m
BE FORWARD PRICE	USD 4,450 – 29,210	USD 15,730 – 58,850

Interior & Exterior Comparison

Toyota Sequoia

Price

2020	US$37,450 – US$54,990
2022	US$42,420 – US$64,995
2023	US$58,777 – US$89,995

The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV produced by Toyota and since 2000 sold mainly for the North American market and designed borrowed from the Tundra pickup truck. After the Japanese Domestic market, the Toyota Sequoia is the largest SUV ever produced under the Toyota lineup.

Cabin Storage

The interior of the Sequoia is spacious with three sitting rows that can comfortably accommodate seven to eight adults depending on configuration. There is ample head, leg, knee, and shoulder room for all occupants, and the seats are supportive. A second-row bench is standard with optional captain seats for easy access to the third row. Cloth upholstery is standard with SofTex® and leather available.
Standard features include heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, tri-zone climate control, a Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen (14.0-inch available), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, multiple USB slots, and a 12.3-inch full-color digital instrument cluster.
Its cargo area is between 326 liters (11.5 cu ft) and 631 liters (22.3 cu ft) depending on the location of the fore and aft moving third-row seat, 1387 liters (49.0 cu ft) with the non-folding flat third row folded down, and a maximum of 2460 liters (86.9 cu ft) with the second and third row folded down.

Available cubby holds include:
1st Row;
In the center console, there are three large cup holders capable of holding water bottles. One is slightly smaller than the other two, making it suitable for holding cans or smaller plastic containers. In case, you do not need the cupholders, they can be removed by lifting the large piece of plastic to unleash a spot suitable for handling items such as a handbag and the like. Lift the center armrest and you are met with a vast cubby hole. There are door pockets with bottle holders, and on the passenger side, there is a double glove box.

2nd Row;
The second row has two pull-out cup holders on the center console, and a cup and a small bottle holder on the rear doors.

3rd Row;
The third row has twin cup holders, deep and shallow pockets on either side, and two pop-out lidded bins.

Cargo Space

The Toyota Sequoia has average boot space when all seats are used but when more space is needed the 2nd-row seats can be folded down and make the large space for accommodating more luggage.

Exterior

It took a decade for Toyota to release the third-generation Sequoia in 2023. Like the previous models, it is based on body-on-frame architecture with modern looks and muscular aesthetics.
Notable exterior features include futuristic headlights, plenty of angles and curves, a flip-up rear window, and indented fenders.
Standard exterior features include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights, roof rails, heated power wing mirrors with turn signals.

The latest Toyota Sequoia exterior looks similar to the Toyota Tundra (XK70) but the design appeals to a male clientele.

People also read:
Toyota Sequoia vs Land Cruiser Comparison

New Model For Toyota Sequoia

The third-generation Toyota Sequoia was unveiled in January 2022 as a 2023 model with sales beginning in the third quarter of 2022.

New features:

• An efficient iForce MAX hybrid powertrain combines a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque.
• Three-row with eight seats is standard; seven-seats with second-row captain seats optional. The fore and aft adjustable third row has an adjustable cargo area.
• A new Toyota Audio Multimedia system features a fast, intuitive, and high-definition 8.0-inch (standard) or 14.0-inch (available) infotainment touchscreen with wireless features and optimum connectivity, making it more convenient for drivers.

Toyota 4Runner

Price

2021	US$23,440 – US$35,640
2022	US$29,270 – US$35,100
2023	US$34,240 – US$58,850

The Toyota 4Runner is a 4-door body style and luxury SUV with 5 passengers seating capacity. The Toyota 4Runner provides both full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and part-time systems.

Cabin Storage

The 4Runner has a frills-free interior with a touch of modern features and technology like a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, satellite radio, a rearview camera, navigation, and an 8-speaker audio system.
The Toyota 4Runner has several cubby holes for handling items such as handbags, beverages, bottles, and smartphones. They are distributed as follows:

• In the first row; there is a deep bin under the center armrest, door pockets with bottle holders, a glove box, and 2 cup holders in the center console.
• In the 2nd row; there are door pockets, air vents, and USB ports on the center console, two cup holders in the flip-down armrest, and front seat jacket pockets.

Cargo Space

With an overall length of 191.3 inches, a height of 71.5 inches, and a width of 75.8 inches, the Toyota 4Runner has a large cargo space. Therefore the Toyota 4Runner has significantly larger cargo space and a bigger size of cargo than the Toyota Sequoia.

Exterior

The 4Runner is a rugged 4×4 with robust styling complemented by LED taillights and headlights for superior visibility, skid plates for protecting the front suspension/engine, and a transfer case from damage.

Additional features vary across seven trims, and these are:

• SR5

→ Smart Key System with Push-Button Start
→ Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P)
→ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
→ Power rear liftgate window

• TRD Sport

→ TRD Sport exterior styling
→ 20-inch alloy wheels
→ SofTex upholstered seats
→ X-REAS sport enhancement suspension

• SR5 Premium

→ Heated front seats
→ Power wing mirrors
→ Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
→ Navigation (available)

• TRD Off-Road

→ TRD exterior badging
→ 17-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted inserts
→ Electronically locking rear differential
→ Selectable (Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control) drive modes.

• TRD Off-Road Premium

→ Smart Key System with Push-Button Start
→ Enhanced Off-Road capabilities
→ SofTex upholstered seats
→ Electronically locking rear differential

• Limited

→ Premium amenities such as perforated leather-trimmed seats
→ JBL premium audio with 15 speakers
→ Dual-zone automatic climate control
→ X-REAS sport enhancement suspension
→ 20-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels
→ Chrome door handles

• TRD Pro

→ TRD FOX high-performance shocks
→ TRD roof rack
→ Unique “TOYOTA” front grille
→ Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) for advanced off-roading

People also read:
Toyota Fortuner vs Toyota 4Runner Comparison

How to reset the maintenance light on the Toyota 4runner

You just had an oil change but the Toyota maintenance light in your 4Runner hasn’t turned off, follow the following steps to reset the light:

1. Insert your key in the ignition and rotate it to the first position (for the push-button start model, press the start button twice). Do not start the engine.
2. Push/hold the odometer reset button on the instrument cluster, then rotate your key to the second position.
3. Continue holding the odometer button for 10 seconds. This should cause the maintenance light to flash/beep, and then go off.
4. After it’s off, release the odometer reset button, then start the car. If the light is still on, repeat these steps a couple of times to turn it off.
5. For the multi-color display models, select the COG icon on the display, then select Scheduled-Maintenance, then confirm.

If you attempt all these steps and the maintenance light stays on, it could be time to service your vehicle or there is a problem that requires special attention.

People also read:
Toyota 4runner vs Toyota Highlander Comparison

Engine, Performance & Fuel Consumption

Toyota Sequoia

(a) Engine & Performance

• The first-generation (XK30/XK40) Sequoia came with a 4.7-liter 2UZFE (VVT-i) V8 petrol engine with 271 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption rate of 8 km/L.
• The 2nd generation (XK60/XK65) came with either the previously used 4.7L 2UZ-FE VVT-i V8, or the 4.6-liter 1UR-FE V8 petrol engine with 320 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, or the 5.7L 3UR-FE (Dual VVT-i) V8 petrol engine with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel consumption of these engines is 8 km/L, 7.4 km/L, and 7.0 km/L, respectively.
• The 3rd generation (XK80) comes with a hybrid (FHEV) system that pairs the i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo 3.4-liter V35A-FTS V6 petrol engine with a motor. This system has a combined output of 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption of 8.5 km/L.

These engines are paired with a 4-, 5-, 6-speed automatic, or 10-speed ECTi “Direct Shift” automatic transmission.

(b) Fuel Consumption

The Sequoia has a fuel consumption between 7.0 km/L and 8.5 km/L. The most efficient is the 3.4 FHEV system found in the third-generation model, and the worst performer is the 5.7L (Dual VVT-i) V8 found in the second generation.

How much can the Toyota Sequoia tow?

The maximum towing capacity of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia is rated at 4 tons (9520 lb.). That’s enough to haul your boat past the hillside or a family RV on a cross-country trek with confidence and ease.
Standard tow hitch and trailering features are:

• A class IV tow hitch receiver with a seven-pin/four-pin connector
• Tow/haul driving modes that optimize transmissions for heavy loads
• An integrated trailer brake controller for smooth towing
• A trailer sway control feature for enhancing towing stability
• Power extendable wing mirrors that enhance trailer visibility.

Toyota 4Runner

(a) Engine & Performance

• The first generation (N30) 4Runner came with:

→ a 2.4-liter 22R 4-cylinder petrol engine with 97 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption of 11 km/L.
→ a 2.4-liter 2L 4-cylinder diesel engine with 83 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption of 17 km/L.

• The second generation (N120/N130) came with:

→ the previously used but re-tuned 2.4-liter 22R and 3.0-liter 3VZ-E V6 petrol engines with 116 hp and 140 lb-ft and 150 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque and a fuel consumption rating of 12 km/L and 6 km/L respectively.
→ the previously used 2.4-liter 2L diesel now with a turbocharger. It produces 93 hp, 159 lb-ft of torque and an average fuel consumption of 18.5 km/L.

• The third generation (N180) came with:

→ a 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE 4-cylinder petrol with 150 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 9 km/L.
→ a 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE V6 petrol with 183 hp and 217 lb-ft of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 7.7km/L.
→ a turbocharged 3.0-liter 1KZ-TE 4-cylinder diesel with 130 hp and 212 lb-ft of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 13 km/L.

• The fourth generation (N210) came with:

→ a 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 (Dual VVT-i) petrol with 285 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 8 km/L.
→ a 4.7-liter 2UF-ZE V8 petrol with 271 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 8 km/L

• The fifth generation (N280) came with:

→ a 2.7-liter 2TR-FE 4-cylinder petrol with 165 hp and 180 fb-lt of torque and a rated fuel consumption of 8.5 km/L.
→ the 4.0-liter 1GR-FE was carried over from the previous generation.

• The sixth generation (N380) comes with:

→ a turbocharged 2.4-liter T24A-FTS petrol with 275 hp and 315 lb-ft and a rated fuel consumption of 12 km/L.
→ an FHEV system that combines the turbocharged 2.4-liter T24A-FTS engine with a 48-hp motor and a 1.87 kWh battery. Its combined output is 326 hp and 465 lb-ft with a rated fuel consumption of 13 km/L.

These engines are paired with a 4-, or 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, or 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.

(b) Fuel Consumption

The 4Runner has a fuel consumption rate ranging between 7.7 km/L and 18.5 km/L. This variation falls within the various models and types of fuel in the 4Runner’s six generations.

Toyota 4Runner 2025

What’s new?:

• A retuned i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4L hybrid powertrain with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It’s quicker than ever, with its 8-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of 2.7 tons (6000 lb).
• A Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter models, isolates the stabilizer bar at the touch of a button, simplifying navigation across terrain.
• A Trailhunter model built for Overlanding. Its standard features include 18-inch bronze-finished wheels, off-road equipment from Old Man Emu, Rigid Industries, and  ARB, and a new Everest exterior color.

People also read:
The Best 8 Cars for Mountain Driving

Writer’s Perspective

The Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner are reliable servants with great off-roading capabilities. They have been tried and tested over the years, and the amazing results are there for everyone to see. Adding essential technological, mechanical, environmental, and safety features to the newer models has further improved their capabilities, and competitiveness, and made them better on-road. Their amazing towing capacity is so useful as it provides a wide range of towing capabilities be it a large boat or a family RV, these two will comfortably handle them.

Final Verdict

You can’t go wrong with the Toyota Sequoia or 4Runner. These two are great offerings from Toyota: great off-roading capabilities, comfortable cabins with standard features and amenities, catchy styling, and powerful and efficient engines. The Sequoia is larger than the 4Runner, more spacious, and premium, with much more comfortable seating with enough head, leg, foot, shoulder, and knee room spread across three rows, but all this comes at a price. The 4Runner is smaller, more practical, and cheaper, with its third-row seat best reserved for kids.

GET DISCOUNT ALERTS (90% OFF OR MORE)

SIGN UP FOR REWARDS