2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Acura RDX was noted for its sharp, angular style, which, while unique, did not make it stand out dramatically from its peers. The front featured the signature Acura grille, which, despite its evolution over the years, seemed to be showing its age and perhaps needed a refresh. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork and hood gave the vehicle a sporty and aggressive appearance. The side profile was marked by a distinctive character line that suggested forward movement, even when stationary. However, the rear design was more conventional, resembling many other small SUVs.

Inside, the RDX diverged from the trend of horizontal dashboard layouts, opting instead for a vertical cockpit design. The centre stack flowed into the console, dominated by gear-selector buttons and a drive-mode dial, emphasizing performance. Above this were physical climate controls and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. The instrument panel combined a digital centre display with analog gauges, featuring white-faced dials with red accents to highlight its sporty intent. While the interior wasn't as modern as some competitors, it offered a familiar layout for those averse to the latest glass cockpit designs.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases, contributing to its muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome and presented in Celestial Silver, which appeared somewhat dated. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, with physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The shifter and steering wheel were similar to its truck siblings, and the centre console featured a shallow compartment with padded armrests, revealing a spacious cubby beneath.

The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim, and leather was standard on Platinum. The front seats were power-adjustable across the lineup, enhancing seating customization. Every Sequoia came with a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with an upgraded panoramic version standard on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia's interior design and features were consistent with Toyota's contemporary vehicles, offering a blend of functionality and comfort.

The 2023 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all-wheel-drive (AWD) was standard, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" or "SH-AWD." The RDX did not offer alternative engine options, focusing on its turbo powertrain, which provided immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine and exhaust sound. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, an average performance for its class. The transmission efficiently selected gears, and the brake pedal offered reassuring firmness for smooth stops.

The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and abundant traction from the advanced AWD system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured adaptive dampers, enhancing cornering prowess without compromising ride comfort. Road imperfections were easily absorbed, making the RDX a comfortable and sporty choice for drivers.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive (4WD). In Canada, the Sequoia came with standard 4WD, featuring a part-time system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and two-wheel drive (2WD). The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and on-road handling was adequate for its class.

The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, TRD badging, off-road suspension, and an electronic locking rear differential. It included driver-assist features like Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms (9,121 pounds), with available towing-related upgrades, including the Tow Technology Package and power-extending trailer tow mirrors.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space in the front seats, with additional power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The generous cushioning ensured comfort during long drives, and standard heated and ventilated front seats quickly adjusted to temperature needs. A heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and a panoramic moonroof were also standard features.

The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. Legroom was sufficient, and the large panoramic sunroof enhanced the cabin's open and airy feel. Behind the rear seats, the RDX offered up to 835 litres of cargo space, with a deep bin under the cargo floor featuring a centre drain plug. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 1,668 litres, with remote seatback levers for easy transformation. Front passengers had various storage options, including cupholders, a centre console bin, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres, depending on seat position. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft but were easy to move for third-row access. Folding the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom.

Second-row captain's chairs replaced the bench seat in Platinum and Capstone models, offering width but lacking bolstering. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in terms of legroom, though it surpassed the Jeep Wagoneer in front-row legroom.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a touchpad infotainment controller, which, while better than Lexus's previous attempt, was still challenging to use. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen and was out of reach. The experience improved with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, allowing for easier operation. Despite the interface challenges, the infotainment system offered sharp graphics, quick responses, and logically arranged menus. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote monitoring via the Acuralink app. A 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system was standard in Canada.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard across all trims. The SR5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims boasted a 14-inch centre touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch screen, standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in maneuvering. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The adaptive cruise control was praised for its smooth operation, though the lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.