2025 Toyota Sequoia

While car-based crossovers dominate the sales charts, the classic body-on-frame SUV still rules supreme if you need to haul people and gear. The Toyota Sequoia is the freshest face in the large SUV pack; it was redesigned just a few years ago and has all the bells and whistles you'd expect of a modern vehicle. This burly truck also seats up to eight passengers and can tow a lofty 9,250 pounds. It even comes standard with a potent hybrid powertrain so you don't have to choose between capability and fuel efficiency. Downsides include a cramped cargo area and a floor that is a bit high for those in the rear — both byproducts of the hybrid's battery placement.

Edmunds spotlight: Efficiency

The large SUV class is (in)famous for its fuel consumption, but the Sequoia bucks the trend with impressive EPA estimates. The Sequoia is not exactly a three-row Prius, but the standard V6 hybrid underhood is good for a few extra mpg compared to rivals powered by V8s and non-hybrid six-cylinders. And its 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.0 seconds flat means it's no slouch when you need passing power on a freeway on-ramp.

Competitors to consider

The GMC Yukon is the vehicle to beat in this class, with a high-end interior, a relatively comfortable ride and an expansive cargo area. General Motors also sells the slightly less luxurious Chevrolet Tahoe, but we think the Yukon is a better execution of the formula. There's also the Ford Expedition, which impresses with its BlueCruise hands-free driving system. We also recommend checking out the Jeep Wagoneer, featuring a healthy list of standard features and a smooth turbocharged inline-six engine.

The Toyota Sequoia's standard hybrid powertrain is both potent and efficient, giving the big SUV a major leg up on the competition. But the impacted cargo space and sometimes uncomfortable seating arrangement could be deal-breakers for some.