Electric Cars

Volkswagen's financial health has taken a significant hit, with global profits plummeting by 61% in the initial nine months of 2025. This substantial decline, which saw earnings after tax fall to approximately \u20ac3.4 billion despite stable sales, is even more pronounced in the United States, where profit margins have nosedived by 67%. The primary culprit for this severe downturn appears to be the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on imported automobiles and components, which have created a challenging economic landscape for the German automaker.

Volkswagen's Staggering Profit Collapse in the U.S. Market

In a dramatic turn of events for the automotive giant, Volkswagen Group has reported a staggering 61% reduction in its global profits for the first three quarters of 2025. This figure, derived from Volkswagen's own interim report, underscores a challenging period for the company. During the same timeframe, the U.S. market witnessed an even more precipitous 67% fall in profit margins for Volkswagen, a sharp contrast to the minor fluctuations observed in European and Asia-Pacific markets. This severe contraction in profitability is largely attributed to the introduction of new U.S. tariffs, which have significantly increased the cost of importing vehicles and parts.

Specifically, the implementation of a 25% tariff on imported cars and components, layered upon an existing 2.5% duty, has resulted in an overall tariff rate of around 27.5% on many European vehicles. Volkswagen has informed investors that these increased U.S. import tariffs, combined with their repercussions, are projected to shave up to \u20ac5 billion off its 2025 financial results. This financial burden is compounded by considerable losses stemming from Porsche's revised electric vehicle strategy, which inflicted an additional multi-billion-euro blow to the VW Group's earnings. While competitors like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have mitigated tariff impacts through extensive local production facilities in the U.S., Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche still rely heavily on imports for a significant portion of their high-value models, rendering them particularly vulnerable to these trade barriers.

The current financial pressures facing Volkswagen signal a shift in the company's market strategy. With profit becoming a more critical objective than sales volume in the U.S., consumers can anticipate a landscape characterized by elevated prices, diminished incentives, and a more restricted selection of models. This scenario implies reduced opportunities for securing advantageous lease deals on sought-after Audi models, fewer discounts on popular Volkswagen family crossovers, and the potential discontinuation of niche or low-volume electric vehicle offerings in the American market. Ultimately, the company's focus will be squarely on restoring its profitability, suggesting a less consumer-friendly environment for those looking to purchase a Volkswagen, Audi, or Porsche vehicle.

The 2025 Lexus GX and Toyota Sequoia are both formidable SUVs in their respective classes, each offering a compelling blend of utility and comfort. The Lexus GX, newly redesigned, leans into a more luxurious yet rugged persona, leveraging a robust platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser. In contrast, the Toyota Sequoia, built on the Tundra pickup's foundation, presents itself as a more family-oriented vehicle with built-in off-road potential and impressive power. Choosing between these two ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes refined luxury and specialized off-road prowess or expansive space and a potent powertrain for versatile use.

Understanding the nuances of each model's design, performance metrics, and interior offerings is crucial for making an informed decision. The GX distinguishes itself with a focus on premium appointments and enhanced off-road readiness, while the Sequoia counters with superior horsepower, better fuel economy, and slightly more flexible passenger and cargo configurations for larger families. Both vehicles are well-equipped with modern technology and safety features, ensuring a comfortable and secure driving experience, whether navigating urban landscapes or tackling challenging trails.

Design and Capability: Lexus GX vs. Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Lexus GX showcases a distinctly angular design, reminiscent of the classic Toyota Land Cruiser, emphasizing a blend of upscale aesthetics and formidable off-road capability. With wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches and standard triple-beam LED headlights, it projects a commanding presence. All GX models come equipped with running boards, with higher trims featuring automatic power-extending versions. The specialized Overtrail and Overtrail+ models are particularly geared for rough terrain, boasting 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires and an aluminum front skid plate, enhancing their aggressive stance and protection. The interior mirrors this luxurious and adventurous spirit with premium materials like leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats, and in certain trims, massaging functionality. A large 14-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a 12.3-inch information display come standard, with an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system available for an elevated audio experience. Cargo space is generous, with standard third-row seating on most models, and the Overtrail trims foregoing the third row for even more gear capacity, making the GX a versatile choice for both refined daily driving and challenging expeditions.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia presents itself as a robust family hauler with inherent off-road capabilities, built upon the sturdy Tundra pickup platform. Its imposing size is complemented by various wheel choices, from 18 to 22 inches, and standard LED lighting with heated side mirrors. The Sequoia offers a range of trims, with the TRD Pro being the dedicated off-roader, featuring a dual-tip exhaust and an aluminum front skid plate for rugged adventures. The top-tier Capstone model elevates luxury with chrome accents, sequential LED taillights, and exclusive badging. Inside, the Sequoia balances practicality with comfort, starting with fabric-trimmed heated front seats in the base SR5 model. Higher trims, like the TRD Pro and Capstone, offer advanced features such as heated and ventilated seats, massaging front seats, and a 10-inch head-up display. Technology-wise, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, upgradeable to a 14-inch infotainment display and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Cargo flexibility is a key advantage, with sliding third-row seats enabling up to 22.3 cubic feet of space with all seats upright, expanding significantly with rear seats folded down. This design makes the Sequoia an ideal option for families requiring both extensive passenger capacity and robust utility for various activities.

Performance and Practicality: Power, Economy, and Interior Space

The 2025 Lexus GX, while not the most powerful in its segment, offers a solid performance foundation with a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, it achieves 0-60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds. Fuel efficiency is consistent across all trims, rated at an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway. A notable feature is its impressive maximum towing capacity of 9,096 lbs, making it highly capable for hauling trailers or boats. Inside, the GX prioritizes luxury and technology. Premium features such as leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats are standard, with massaging functions available on select trims. A 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone compatibility, and a 12.3-inch information display are core technological offerings, alongside an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Cargo space is flexible; with third-row seating, it provides 10.3 cubic feet, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and a maximum of 76.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, making it suitable for both passenger transport and gear-intensive outings.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia distinguishes itself with a more potent powertrain and superior fuel economy, driven by a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine combined with an electric motor. This hybrid setup generates a total of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, enabling a quicker 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 5.6 seconds. Power is delivered through a 10-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or all four. Fuel economy is a strong point for the Sequoia, with RWD models achieving an estimated 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while 4WD versions, including the 1794 Edition and TRD Pro, are rated at 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Its towing capacity is slightly higher than the GX, reaching up to 9,520 lbs when properly equipped. The interior of the Sequoia focuses on comfort and practicality for families. Standard features include heated front seats, while higher trims offer amenities like heated and ventilated second-row seats, massaging front seats, and a 10-inch head-up display. Infotainment is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen on base models, upgrading to a 14-inch display with a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system in higher trims. Cargo volume is a major advantage for the Sequoia, offering up to 22.3 cubic feet with all three rows in place (with sliding third-row seats), expanding to 49 cubic feet with the third row flattened, and a substantial 86.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, making it an excellent choice for large families or those needing maximum hauling capability.