2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bold new front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The SUV featured LED accent lights in place of the previous headlights, with the actual headlights now recessed underneath. This redesign, characterized by an oversized kidney grille, was polarizing and sparked mixed reactions. While the front-end styling was controversial, the sides and rear remained largely unchanged, maintaining a sense of familiarity. Inside, the X7's interior received a refresh with a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The dashboard featured a more elemental design, and the centre console introduced a toggle switch-like gear selector. The interior materials were of premium quality, with options like Merino leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite some glossy trim choices causing glare, the interior was well-built and offered a modern, elegant appearance.

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 appearance varied significantly with colour choices, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout and physical dials for climate control. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof. The interior was spacious, with a focus on practicality and comfort, though some design elements felt dated.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the X7 to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 offered potent acceleration and composed handling, with a slightly firmer ride compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. In Canada, the Sequoia came with standard 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row moved, but it provided a large opening. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though thigh support was limited. Cargo space behind the third row was 362 litres, expanding to 1,376 litres with the third row stowed and 2,560 litres with all rear seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and air suspension for easier loading.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone model included automatic power-deploying running boards for easier access. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row seats did not slide but were easy to move for third-row access. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind some rivals in terms of legroom, but it offered second-row captain's chairs in higher trims.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making simple tasks more complicated. Voice commands were available but interrupted audio playback. The X7 came with a standard Harman Kardon premium sound system and optional head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch centre touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering ease of use over flashy design. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims. The Sequoia included a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on Platinum and Capstone trims.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive list of safety features. Standard features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Optional features included a surround-view camera system and highway driving assist, which performed well during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.