Since the Toyota Sequoia is still a bit outdated for the 2021 model, one wonders if it’s still a good choice for a large SUV. When it comes to performance, it holds its own, but how well does it compare to a Ford Expedition, which is similar in dynamics to the Sequoia?

Autotrader compares both the Sequoia and the Expedition and shares their thoughts about each one. Which one do they recommend you buy?

What do you get with the 2021 Ford Expedition?

The Ford Expedition is an SUV based on its Ford F-150 infrastructure. This model comes in several trim levels that will help you find exactly what you need your purchase to have. The XL trim is the base model for this SUV, which is new for this model year. Due to its addition to the lineup, standard equipment and options were shifted around in the other models.

The base offers seating for five passengers, its Ford MyKey technology, remote start, hill-start assist, and trailer sway control. Moving up to the XLT trim, you can expect everything the base comes with along with a few extras. Those would include a self-dimming rear-view mirror, keyless entry, powered liftgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels. 

Next up is the Limited trim, which offers LED tail lights, power-retractable running boards, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, and leather-covered front seats. The next trim level is the King Ranch gives you some nice exterior accents, a combination of Mesa and Ebony interior, upgraded leather upholstery, and a 360-degree camera system. Topping off the lineup is the Platinum level, which offers an adaptive suspension, massaging front seats, and inflatable second-row seat belts. 

Powering this SUV up is a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination generates 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition also offers a bit more head and legroom than what you would find with the Toyota Sequoia. 

What does the 2021 Toyota Sequoia offer?

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia offers many trims to choose from, including a few off-roading ones for the adventurers. The SR5 model is the base for the Sequoia, and it comes with automatic LED headlights, running boards, fog lamps, roof rack, sunroof, and a rear-power window. Four-wheel drive is optional on some of the models, but it will cost you about $3,225 extra to add it to your purchase. 

There are two TRD trims, one is the TRD Sport, and the other is the TRD Pro. These will get you a sport-tuned suspension for the Sport package as well as anti-sway bars for off-road areas. The TRD Pro gives you Fox shock absorbers, a front skid plate, and TRD cat-back exhaust. Four-wheel drive is standard with the TRD Pro. 

The Limited and the Platinum trims are the Toyota Sequoia’s premium luxurious models that offer equipment such as heated front seats, folding power mirrors, parking sensors, power-adjustable steering wheel, integrated navigation, and ventilated front seats. 

Under the hood, is a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. As far as cargo space goes, you can expect 18.9 cubic feet of storage with the Sequoia.

Is the Toyota Sequoia better than the Expedition?

When push comes to shove, Autotrader recommended the Ford Expedition over the Toyota Sequoia. There are two main reasons why they chose the Expedition over the other vehicle. One is because it offers far better fuel economy than what you would get with the Sequoia. In fact, the Ford SUV gets 17 mpg in the city, which is four more than Toyota offers. When you travel on the highway, you get 23 mpg, which is eight more than Toyota’s SUV. 

The second reason is because of its comfortable ride. The Expedition offers a better suspension system than what Toyota has to give it a smoother drive. The Sequoia, unfortunately, offers a bumpy and rough ride for the price you would end up paying for it. Ford sells its SUV for a smidge higher than the Sequoia, but it’s well worth the extra $600 when you factor in the fuel economy figures and better overall ride quality. Another benefit to Ford’s SUV is that you can choose a five-passenger option instead.

However, these reasons don’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t ever choose the Toyota Sequoia. In fact, the Sequoia is strong in a few different areas. Because it’s a Toyota, you can expect the same high-quality reliability ratings and the same above-average resale value. Plus, when it comes to towing, the Sequoia can haul around 7,400 lbs. Ford’s SUV can only handle up to 6,000 lbs. The Expedition has the ability to tow up to 9,300 lbs, but you have to add on the trailering package in order to achieve that. 

Both SUVs are great when you need to haul around eight passengers and when storage is important. Choosing between the two will depend on what’s important to your needs. If fuel economy is a necessary component to your purchase, the Expedition will be the better deal. If you need towing without spending more money on a trailering package, the Sequoia will be your best bet.