2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly two metres above the ground, with a length that required between five and a half to six metres to park. It was a motorized cargo container, boasting three rows of leather seats and more technology than the command centre of a port. The Escalade ESV version extended 38 centimetres longer, primarily stretching the wheelbase. This SUV was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits on the Sport Platinum trim, masking its mass. The interior was rich in the first row, featuring a 38-inch curved screen array and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded with cheaper GM parts in the second and third rows.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly altered its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims featured SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with an upgraded panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It was suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms (8,000 pounds) with the towing package, but felt heavy in passing situations. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed adequately, though the powertrain seemed reluctant in Sport mode. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, delivering 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, providing 277 hp and better fuel economy at 10.5 L/100 km combined. The 4WD system was rudimentary, with a centre differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. The Escalade's magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension enhanced maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup improved fuel economy to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia's part-time 4WD system included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, with TRD Pro models equipped with a skid plate. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms (9,121 pounds), with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. An optional front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps added convenience, while the air suspension eased loading and unloading. However, the second-row seats were not powered like the third row.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it provided 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft but were easy to move for access to the back row. The third-row seats folded at the push of a button but did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by 7.5 centimetres, and legroom was less than some rivals. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, with directional arrows and street names overlaid. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, using infrared eye-tracking cameras for safety. Night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system added to the tech offerings.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor and a 10-inch colour head-up display were standard on higher trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise were optional.

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