2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 4Runner. Which is Better? (2024)

Toyota's full-size 2021 Sequoia and 4Runner SUVs are a sight to behold. With expansive cargo spaces, powerful engines, and abundant high-end features - these exceptional vehicles have something for everyone! This guide is here to help you navigate the many similarities between them as well as their unique contributions so that you can make an informed decision on which one best meets your needs.

Size and Styling

If size is of concern, drivers should factor in the dimensions of both vehicles when choosing between the 4Runner and Sequoia. The Sequoia measures 205.1 inches long with a width 79.9 inches wide and 77-inch height - significantly larger than its counterpart; the4Runner's 190.2 by 75/8 inch frame makes it ideal for city life or parking in smaller spots where space may be limited.

The Sequoia has the luxury of plenty when it comes to seating; its spacious interior not only provides front passengers with a generous 42.5 inches of leg room, but also offers 40.9 and 35.3 in the second and third rows - perfect for those who like comfort on long trips.

The 4Runner's optional third row provides a rather cramped experience for taller passengers, offering only 29.3 inches of leg room; second-row occupants fare slightly better with 32.9 inches - far inferior to the Sequoia’s 39+ inch provision in its rearmost row – but front seaters need not worry as 41.7 blissful inches awaits them up front.

This brings this overview to an important point. Every Sequoia comes standard with three rows of seating, but not all 4Runners have that additional row. In the Sequoia, there could be room for eight or seven passengers, depending on whether the middle row has a bench seat or a pair of captain's chairs. The bench seat would have room for three, while the captain's chairs would only accommodate two in that row. The third row of the Sequoia is wide enough to fit three extra people.

In the 4Runner, four out of the nine available trims can be set up with a third row. This third row can seat two, so the 4Runner could have a total of seven seats. It's not available with captain's chairs, and every 4Runner has a bench seat in its second row.

The Sequoia impresses with its spacious interior, and if you fold down all the rear seats there's a whopping 120.1 cubic feet of capacity – that beats even some two-row SUVs! Even when only folding down the third row, it still manages to offer an impressive 66.6 cubic feet for storage or transport needs - plus 18.9 extra cubes behind the third row ensures no item has to be left behind.

The 4Runner is large, but it's nowhere near as big as the Sequoia is. Its maximum cargo capacity is 88.8 cubic feet. Behind its second row of seats, it has 46.3 cubic feet of space. If a 4Runner has the third row, this really limits its cargo capacity. The cargo hold behind that third row only has a volume of nine cubic feet.

In terms of style, both vehicles have an imposing presence. This is partly due to their height of their frames and the fact that the sit almost ten inches off the ground. The 4Runner looks a little more agile next to the bulky Sequoia.

LED headlights and LED fog lights are standard in these two Toyotas. The Sequoia has standard LED Daytime Running Lights as well, and it can have chrome, dark silver, or darkened chrome around its fog lights. Both models can have chrome exterior accents to make them look more refined. TRD Pro trims are available, and those come with special badging.

Some of the nicer elements that are available with the 4Runner are 20-inch wheels, cargo baskets or roof racks, a power moonroof and a power liftgate, and automatic running boards. The Sequoia can be configured with front skid plates, aluminum or black running boards, a power liftgate and moonroof, and special side mirrors. Those mirrors can automatically dim, and they can have a reverse tilt-down feature in addition to a memory function and puddle lights.

Drivability

Get ready to be taken for a thrilling ride with the Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner! The Sequoia boasts an incredible 5.7-liter V8 engine capable of delivering 381 horsepower along with 401 pound-feet of torque, while its smaller sibling produces 270 hp as well as 278 lb/ft - both models offering undeniable power that exhilarates drivers across the board.

When it comes to hauling, the 4Runner is a capable vehicle with its 5,000-pound tow capacity. But for serious load lifting tasks and larger cargo needs, there's no beating the mighty Sequoia; outfitted with appropriate components this SUV can haul an impressive 7400 pounds!

The rugged Sequoia and 4Runner both boast powerful electronic transmissions, with the choice of sequential shift mode allowing drivers to take control. But if you're looking for more customization options: the mid-range Sequoia gives you six speeds while its all-wheel drive counterpart also hosts a Torsion limited-slip center differential that can be locked into place - just in case your off road adventure needs an extra boost.

Owning a Sequoia means more than just taking advantage of its generous cabin space - you can also benefit from an amazing suspension! The TRD Pro offers robust, adjustable shocks with piggyback reservoirs, while the Platinum trim has one step up with an adaptive variable suspension that makes automatic adjustments to ensure your ride is consistently smooth and comfortable. No matter what terrain lies ahead of you in life's journey, trust your Sequoia to get where it needs to go safely and comfortably.

The 4Runner comes with a range of drivetrain options depending on the trim. From part-time 4WD systems and locking rear differentials to full-time Torsen limited-slip differential featured in select trims, drivers are sure to find an option that best suits their needs. Whether they're traversing offroad or driving around town, this SUV truly has something for every type of adventurer.

Toyota has given the 4Runner some extra features to help drivers deal with rugged terrain. Select trims can have Multi-Terrain Select so that their performance can be optimized to the exact conditions, and they can have Crawl Control. This program controls the speed of the SUV by adjusting the throttle and brakes so that the driver can keep all of his/her focus on steering.

Ready for an extraordinary ride? The 4Runner has you covered. Its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System keeps your vehicle stable, no matter how bumpy the road gets. For those seeking a little extra power and performance, look no further than sport-tuned suspensions and TRD FOX shocks – capable of conquering any terrain with precision balance between smoothness and strength.

The Sequoia and 4Runner have a lot to offer, but unfortunately, they don't quite measure up when it comes to fuel efficiency. Owners of the former can expect an average 13 mpg in city driving and 17 on highways – hardly pocket friendly! Meanwhile, drivers of the latter enjoy slightly higher numbers with 16/19 mpg respectively: still not great compared other cars out there today.

Comfort, Options and Performance

The Sequoia offers a luxurious experience for all its passengers, allowing them to stay comfortable no matter the season. All trims come with automatic climate control and upholstery options of cloth, leather or perforated leather depending on preference. For an added touch of indulgence there are heated front seats available in both rows–perfect for those cooler days. Alongside these features is also a power-adjustable driver's seat and smart key entry system so you can enter without ever having to leave your car’s comfort zone.

Higher trims of the Sequoia can have auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink transceivers. They can have retractable sunshades for the second- and third-row windows, and they can have cargo nets to help with organization.

The Sequoia is an amazing vehicle for tech-savvy adventurers, equipped with the latest in cutting-edge technology. Alongside a seven inch touchscreen and Audio Plus infotainment system, it provides seamless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and Amazon Alexa capabilities – allowing you to stay connected throughout your journey with crystal clear streaming audio via SiriusXM as well as Wi-Fi Connect so that nothing stands between you networked world.

Every Sequoia is available with dynamic navigation to provide drivers with turn-by-turn directions. Along with this navigation program, there would be dynamic voice recognition and a point-of-interest search function. On the higher end of the lineup, there could be a premium audio system with 14 speakers. The other options would be to have 12 or eight speakers.

The 4Runner is incredibly customizable, offering features that range from standard to luxurious. Stocked with an 8-inch touchscreen even on base trims and the option for navigation upgrades across all levels of trim, it has everything you need in a mid-size SUV package. For those looking for something extra special, top level models come equipped with state-of-the art JBL sound systems boasting 15 speakers.

Drivers of the 4Runner will find a variety of seating materials to choose from, such as cloth and SofTex (a synthetic leather) for those who want style without breaking their budget. The base model still offers convenience with its manual climate control system, while other trims add in an auto-dimming rearview mirror and optional cargo net. Even more luxurious standard features include heated front seats and a premium leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Safety

Toyota has made an effort to integrated driver-assist technologies into its vehicles. The Sequoia and 4Runner have many advanced components that can play active roles in protecting people.

The two models have the Toyota Safety Sense P package. It consists of pre-collision braking and frontal collision warning, pedestrian detection, high beams that can automatically turn on and off as necessary, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert.

Things go a step further with the Sequoia. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard with this SUV. With these features, drivers can be more aware of vehicles that they might not be able to see.

All Sequoias have sonar systems in the front and rear to help with parking. If the vehicle gets to close to other objects while traveling at low speeds, then alerts would be issued. This program can be found in the 4Runner, but only on select trims.

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Which Model to Choose?

It can be hard to decide between the Sequoia and 4Runner since both are capable and ready for adventure. As full-size SUVs, they have plenty of space, but the Sequoia has the edge when it comes to passenger comfort and cargo capacity. The 4Runner could feel cramped if its packed full of people.

When deciding between the Toyota Sequoia and 4Runner, power is a major difference. The Sequoia has more oomph under its hood to handle heavier loads while the 4Runner shines in fuel efficiency. For those seeking luxury features such as heated rear seats plus an impressive safety package, opt for the upscale Sequoia; but if you're looking for great value without missing out on essential comforts like air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity, hop into a trusty 4Runner.

When selecting between the Sequoia and 4Runner, customers must decide whether cost outweighs value. While it is clear that the Sequoia offers more space and power compared to its counterpart, this comes with a heftier price tag - $13K higher on base models! For those looking for trims at the top of their lineups such as TRD Pro editions may be willing to part ways with an additional sum of over $14K before taxes; but shoppers will need to weigh out what features are worth paying extra for.