Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro vs. Chevy Tahoe Z71 Comparison Test | Off-Road, Interior, Tech & More

The redesigned Toyota Sequoia got a whole lot of off-road capability thanks to a new TRD Pro model, so we decided to put it head-to-head against another three-row off-roader: our long-term Chevy Tahoe Z71. Will the Sequoia and its hybrid powertrain hold up against the Tahoe’s rumbling V8? Join Edmunds’ Brian Wong to find out the results.

00:00 Intro
01:03 Off-Road Packages
02:28 Powertrain
03:13 Hill Climb
05:42 Sand Circuit
07:51 Driving Impressions
10:23 Cargo & Seating
15:18 Interior & Tech
18:09 Pricing
18:47 Edmunds' Take

[edmundscars]

The Sequoia TRD Pro proved to be capable and shockingly fun to drive without a doubt, but opinions on its bright orange paint job were more divided. What do you think about the Toyota's loud styling? Let us know in the comments below!

[George_USMC]

I think the Tahoe is more practical for most families, but personally I like the Sequoia TRD.

[richardwalther]

The customer who wins is the one who has to service a 5.3 V8, and not a twin turbo hybrid V6.

[Matthew-rpjf]

Vehicles are overpriced these days, no thanks.

[martinmcintyre]

The compromises to the third row and storage behind the third row are due to the rear solid axle, more so I think than the battery pack. What you have here is a 4Runner for people who think that the 4Runner isn't big enough. That solid rear axle provides much better articulation than an independent rear suspension, and is more durable and reliable. This vehicle is for people who simply want the biggest truly off road capable SUV. It isn't the nicest full size SUV nor the cheapest. The competition sells because the biggest adventure for those buyers is the trip to Costco. It is funny to note that the last generation Sequoia actually had an independent rear suspension. The current Sequoia actually was never going to happen, and Toyota made a decision late in the development of the Tundra to morph an SUV out of that platform.

[GTsGarageTech]

Tahoe all day every day! I’d option it with the 6.2 and the G80. Then I’d go aftermarket with the fox shocks and get some 17s with bigger off-road tires. I love the way those trucks drive with the 10 speed and that v8. Plus you can always upgrade the engine with a cam, supercharger/turbo, or even just a tune and customize it any way you would like. Seems as if it would be hard to do that with the Toyota.

[zellodavis]

This almost isn’t worth watching. They failed to mention that this Tahoe clearly doesn’t have the off road capability package, which includes an electronic limited slip differential that is excellent. TFLOffroad demonstrated this in several episodes, with the Tahoe and Yukon AT4.

The off road capability package also included air suspension. The air suspension is t just air suspension, it’s magneride, so adjustable and intelligent. It would have been a much better off road ride.

Tahoe/Suburban are great in the sand, I’ve had mine with the eLSD and air suspension in the sand a few times. These guys are biased as fuck.

[zcwqgho]

Number 1: Chevy needs to have the locker standard on the z71

Number 2: they should have done the $2995 option to add the locker and air suspension at a minimum to have a closer like for like comparison.

Chevy was kneecapped before the test started.

[kennygulley]

Z71 owner here and very happy with it. Going to do some off road camping but nothing crazy. Happy with it at 72K vs 85K for Toyota

[mobregonjr]

The only reason to buy an suv is to carry more passengers. If it can’t do that it efficiently it becomes impractical. The sequoia is over $10, 000 more expensive which would easily allow you to option up the Tahoe with the larger engine and off road capability package and have the sequoia beat in comfort and off road capability.

[Darqueprophet]

Maybe cause you didn't show your entire attempt climbing the hill, but I think you could have made it up the hill with the Tahoe. Just got to remember it uses LSD so you need to allow proper tire spine before it engages.

[Koebot]

I understand there were supply chain issue but this comparison would have been more fair had the Tahoe been equipped with the 6.2 and off-road package which includes ELSD, air ride and magnetic ride dampers. Would have made a big difference in the Tahoe’s off-road capability and ride. Still undercuts the Sequoia by a few thousand dollars with those options.

[nicholassmith]

Toyota decided to phone in the Sequoia after developing the new Tundra and basically just put a third row and an enclosed cab on the Tundra. However, GM, Ford and Jeep all learned a couple of generations ago that customers demand more than that from their full-size SUV. They demand a unique interior, spacious and uncompromised seating and cargo area, an automatic AWD system and an independent rear suspension. All things the Sequoia lacks. The Sequoia's powertrain and off-road chops are very good though. However, if you do serious off-roading, you'd probably prefer something smaller and more maneuverable like a 4Runner or Tacoma.

[richardoaks]

I’m sold on the Sequoia. It’ll fit my family perfect, don’t use the third row so it’ll stay flat for the dogs and what not. Like the Tahoe and stuff but I’ve always had negative experiences with GM and reliability.

[WeekendWandering]

Team Tahoe here! We went for the Z71 package for when we want to take it off road and into some more technical areas for camping. We do have the magnetic ride and air suspension which is an upgrade that I'm glad we opted for. Its only been offroad twice and it was VERY mild, but I'm hoping we will really get to put it to the test when we go on our mountain trip this year.

The main use for our tahoe is for traveling and road trips and the interior of this thing is a dream! Its nice to know we have decent off road capabilities though should we need or want to use it for that.

Great video!

[GaryKetchum]

Worrying about the complexity in the toyota hybrid powertrain is almost a non issue. Toyota hybrids are THE most reliable modern vehicles on the road. Insane power and reliability.

[cisky]

I think this is Brian's best competition review so far. Good job!.
As a juror- Sequoia wins.
However, The TRD is known as work horse. The Z71 for me is for those who don't want to spend too much on the Premier. If I had to spend $80k on an SUV, it will stay on paved roads for the most part and the occasional snowy roads in urban areas.
I'll take the cheaper, spacious, comfy and beautiful Tahoe Z71 for the duration of its warranty. Thank you.

[chileshemubanga]

As much as I love Toyota's I don't get the sequoia especially in trd-pro guise hence I'll go with the Chevy Tahoe Z71!

[sinistergates]

I bought a 23 suburban after testing a 23 sequoia. The overall looks of the sequoia is great, but not very practical for everyday life and family with kids. Let alone the price. Sequoias crazy dealer mark ups and MSRP, and extremely limited space is a complete deal breaker.

So far I haven’t had any issues with the suburban, it has a been amazing to have the amount of space I have. It is pretty like having a truck but with the ability to carry more passengers.

[Hellenkeller]

You didn’t even get a Tahoe with a 6.2L V8 or a diesel. Kind of hard to compare them when you don’t have similar engines, at least in output.