2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX was available in standard and Type S versions, each with trim packages that enhanced its equipment. The standard MDX offered a base level with Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the Type S came in standard spec or with an Advance package. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge. The Type S Advance trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, had an MSRP of $74,995. Despite its high price, the MDX Type S didn't fully meet expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, which stood for subtlety. It had chicane-design LED lights, automatic high-beam headlights, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, but some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls difficult to use.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly altered its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome brightwork and Celestial Silver color, appeared somewhat dated. However, a change to orange paint and black accents transformed its look. Inside, the Sequoia resembled the Tundra with a blocky, geometric dashboard and physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered different seating materials. The Sequoia's seating was power-adjustable, and it came with a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was distinguished by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, an increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. However, the Type S was 285 pounds heavier than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The system could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brakes were difficult to modulate. The engine's power increase was not substantial enough to justify its poor fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving. The MDX Type S was more agreeable in Normal mode but had issues with engine response and transmission behavior. The Electro-Servo brakes and Continental self-sealing tires added to the performance challenges, making the MDX Type S less predictable and cohesive than expected.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was offered exclusively as a hybrid, using Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. It combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro model was available only with 4WD, while other trims offered 4WD as an option. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate. The TRD Off-Road package added off-road features like all-terrain tires and Bilstein shocks. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available. The Sequoia's performance was enhanced by its hybrid powertrain, offering more power and better fuel economy than its predecessor.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The MDX's seats were comfortable but didn't hold occupants in place as well as expected. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, but the third row was best suited for children. The MDX's interior prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options. The cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim featured automatic power-deploying running boards for easier access. The Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats didn't slide, but they were easy to move for third-row access. The third-row seats could be folded at the push of a button but didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The Sequoia's interior space was limited by the battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row captain's chairs were wide but lacked bolstering.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment system used a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which was less intuitive for users familiar with touchscreens. The TTI design also limited storage space on the center console. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a 25-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display, but the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim came with a 14-inch touchscreen for the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which was functional but lacked visual appeal. The Sequoia featured a 12.3-inch driver-information display and a Panoramic View monitor. The 10-inch head-up display was standard on Capstone and available on Platinum. The Sequoia offered a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX included the Acura Watch suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Acura Watch systems were generally accurate, but the lane-departure warnings and adaptive cruise control had some issues. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Sequoia also had front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning, and optional Tow Technology Package features. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.