The 2025 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Is an $85,000 Luxury SUV With Serious Power, High-Tech Upgrades, and One Big Drawback You Won’t Expect

Alright folks, today we’re talking about the big and bold 2025 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Hybrid. Now, Toyota claims this is its most luxurious and refined Sequoia yet, but let’s cut through the marketing fluff and see if this SUV is really worth that eye-watering $85,000 price tag.

The Sequoia's Big, Beefy Presence

First things first, if you want a full-size SUV that turns heads, the Sequoia Capstone delivers. It’s based on the Tundra, and you can tell: same chunky styling, same in-your-face front grille, and now exclusive 22-inch dark chrome wheels that scream, “Look at me, I’m important!” If you love the rugged truck look but need three rows of seating, Toyota has you covered. But, as big as this thing is, it’s still only available in one length, so if you were hoping for Chevy Suburban-level cargo space, you’ll have to settle for less. That’s one of the things that has frustrated some Sequoia purists about the redesign.

What’s New for The Sequoia in 2025?

Toyota didn’t go crazy with updates this year, but they did introduce the 1794 trim for those who want cowboy luxury, complete with brown leather and Texas-sized badging. They also threw in massaging seats for the Platinum and Capstone trims because if you’re dropping this much cash on an SUV, your backside deserves first-class treatment.

Oh, and bad news if you loved the Solar Octane color, it’s gone. But really, how many people were buying bright orange Sequoias anyway?

Power and Performance – More Than Enough Muscle

Under the hood, the Sequoia Capstone packs Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, pushing out 437 horsepower and a stump-pulling 583 lb-ft of torque. That’s solid power, but let’s be real. This car is heavy. It’s still quick for its size, and the 10-speed automatic transmission does a decent job keeping things smooth.

Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but if you’re serious about bad weather or towing, you’ll want to upgrade to the four-wheel-drive system. Speaking of towing, the Capstone maxes out at 8,980 pounds: not class-leading, but more than enough for most boat or trailer setups. If you want max towing capacity, you’ll need to step down to the SR5 trim with rear-wheel drive, which can haul up to 9,520 pounds. Before buying, make sure you understand what trim works best for your needs.

Ride and Handling – A Mixed Bag

Let’s get one thing straight: this is a truck-based SUV, and you can feel it. The ride is comfortable enough, but that solid rear axle means it’s not as smooth as something like a Grand Highlander or a unibody SUV. The Capstone trim does try to make things cushier with acoustic glass up front to block out road noise, but don’t expect it to glide down the road like a Lexus LX.

If you’re going off-road, the TRD Pro is the Sequoia you want. The Capstone is more of a luxury cruiser, so while it has four-wheel drive, you don’t get all the fancy off-road hardware like the locking rear differential and skid plates that come with the TRD trim.

Fuel Economy – Better, But Still Thirsty

Now, Toyota likes to tout the Sequoia’s hybrid system, and sure, it’s better than the old gas-guzzling V8, but let’s not kid ourselves. This is still a giant SUV. The rear-wheel-drive models get an EPA-rated 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while four-wheel drive drops that to 19/22 mpg. Real-world testing has shown it doesn’t always hit those numbers. A few days ago four of us drove 1,400 miles from Charlotte, NC to Boca Raton in Florida. As you can imagine it was mostly highway driving. My overall MPG was currently shows 18.7 miles per gallon.

Is that good? Well, compared to a Chevy Tahoe with a gas V8, yes. But if fuel economy is your top priority, you should be looking at a Highlander Hybrid or something smaller. Some Toyota models are known for going 250,000 miles or more—how will the Sequoia hold up?

Sequoia's Interior Is Fancy, But With Some Quirks

Here’s where the Capstone really tries to earn its luxury badge. Step inside, and you’re greeted with semi-aniline leather seats, open-pore walnut wood trim, and even LED mood lighting around the Capstone logo on the dash. It’s a solid attempt at premium, but let’s be honest - it’s still not quite at the level of a Cadillac Escalade or even a high-end Grand Wagoneer.

The power running boards are a nice touch, making it easier to climb into this beast. The front seats are plush, and now they have massage functions, which is a welcome upgrade. But the third row? Well, it’s not great. Because of the solid rear axle, the floor is higher, meaning passengers back there sit with their knees in their chest. And cargo space? It’s tight compared to rivals.

With the third row up, you only get 12 cubic feet of space.

You can slide the seats forward to create more room, but folding them down doesn’t give you a flat load floor. That’s a big miss for an SUV in this class. If you’re comparing all Sequoia trims, check out this detailed breakdown.

Tech and Features – Toyota Steps It Up

One of the biggest improvements in this generation of Sequoia is the tech. The Capstone comes standard with a 14-inch touchscreen running Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which is much better than their old setup. It’s got wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital rearview mirror, and a premium JBL sound system that actually sounds pretty good.

Toyota also loaded this thing up with driver-assistance features. You get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and more - all standard. It’s a nice safety net, but some of these features can feel a bit intrusive at times.

Is It Worth It?

Here’s the real question։ should you buy the 2025 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Hybrid? If you’re looking for a reliable, truck-based SUV with strong towing capability, modern tech, and a luxurious interior, it’s a solid choice. Toyota’s build quality is excellent, and you know this thing will last a long time.

But it’s not perfect. The third row and cargo space are compromises, the ride is ok as I had a smooth ride from Charlotte to Boca Raton, but you may want to look at some of the competitors as well, and at nearly $86,000, you’re knocking on the door of a luxury tow rig. If you want the best bang for your buck, a lower trim like the Limited or Platinum might be the smarter buy.

So, the Capstone is good, but not game-changing. If Toyota can fix some of the packaging issues in the next generation, they might have a real home run. But for now? It’s a high-quality, high-priced SUV with some compromises. 

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia enters a fiercely competitive full-size SUV market, going head-to-head with rivals like the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, and Jeep Wagoneer. Each of these SUVs brings something unique to the table, but Toyota has carefully positioned the Sequoia to stand out in several key areas. Let’s break down where the Sequoia has a clear edge over the competition.

1. Standard Hybrid Powertrain – More Power and Efficiency

One of the biggest advantages the Sequoia has over its competitors is that every trim comes standard with Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain: something no other SUV in this class offers. This system combines a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, producing an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.

• Power Advantage: That torque figure is best-in-class, easily outmuscling the Chevy Tahoe’s 6.2L V8 (460 lb-ft) and the Ford Expedition’s twin-turbo V6 (510 lb-ft).
• Fuel Economy: The Sequoia’s EPA-estimated 21 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (RWD) significantly outperforms non-diesel versions of the Tahoe, Wagoneer, and Armada, making it one of the most fuel-efficient full-size SUVs you can buy.

2. Toyota’s Legendary Reliability and Resale Value

Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability and reliability is well known, and the Sequoia benefits from this legacy. Full-size SUVs are expensive, and buyers want a vehicle that can last 200,000 miles or more without major issues.

• The Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition have had reliability concerns in recent years, especially with transmission issues and electrical problems.
• Toyota’s resale value is another huge advantage. The Sequoia has historically held its value better than the Nissan Armada and Jeep Wagoneer, making it a smarter long-term investment.

3. Strong Towing Capability – Nearly Best in Class

For those who need serious towing power, the Sequoia delivers. While it doesn’t quite match the Tahoe’s 9,800-pound max tow rating, the Sequoia’s 8,980-pound capacity (Capstone trim, 4WD) is still among the best in the segment.

• The Nissan Armada maxes out at 8,500 lbs, and the Jeep Wagoneer’s base model is rated for 7,200 lbs - so the Sequoia holds its own in real-world towing scenarios.
• Toyota also includes its Tow Tech Package with a trailer backup guide and an integrated trailer brake controller, making it easier to manage heavy loads.

4. High-Tech, User-Friendly Interior

The 2025 Sequoia has taken a major step forward in technology and luxury, particularly in the higher trims. Its 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is one of the largest in the segment, dwarfing the standard 8-inch screen in the Tahoe and Expedition.

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, whereas some competitors still require a wired connection.
• The Capstone and Platinum trims offer massaging seats, an exclusive feature that’s not available on the Tahoe or Armada.
• Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot monitoring - many of which are optional or unavailable on the Nissan Armada.

5. A More Distinctive, Bold Design

While styling is subjective, the Sequoia’s aggressive, Tundra-inspired design sets it apart. With its massive front grille, sharp LED headlights, and available 22-inch dark chrome wheels, it looks more modern and commanding than the somewhat boxy Tahoe or the relatively understated Expedition.

• The Capstone trim, in particular, offers a unique two-tone paint scheme and high-end materials inside that you won’t find in rivals.
• The TRD Pro model is the most rugged full-size SUV in this category, featuring Fox shocks, skid plates, and an off-road-tuned suspension that none of its competitors match.

Where the Sequoia Falls Short

Of course, the Sequoia isn’t perfect. It has some drawbacks compared to its competitors:

• Cargo space is smaller than the Chevy Suburban and Ford Expedition Max, which offer extended-wheelbase versions.
• The solid rear axle makes for a stiffer ride compared to SUVs with independent rear suspension, like the Tahoe and Wagoneer.
• It’s expensive. Sequoia's top trims like the Capstone push into Lexus LX territory, making some buyers question whether they should step up to a luxury brand.

Final Verdict – Does the Sequoia Win?

For buyers who prioritize power, efficiency, reliability, and technology, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is a top contender in the full-size SUV market. While it may not have the cargo room of a Chevy Suburban or the plush ride of a Grand Wagoneer, its hybrid powertrain, towing capability, and premium features make it a standout option. If you want an SUV that’s built to last, packed with tech, and ready for both family road trips and serious towing, the Sequoia is hard to beat.

What do you think? If you own a full-size SUV, how does it compare to the new Sequoia? Would you choose a hybrid over a traditional V8? Let us know in the comments!

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.