2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without resorting to massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The muscular SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a different front fascia. The Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package offered additional customization options, while the interior, though less distinctive, provided a comfortable environment with materials suited to various price points.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring chrome brightwork and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated look. Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other contemporary Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette and leather were standard on lower trims. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing the overall comfort and customization options.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard in Canada. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated Hemi V8, generating 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size didn't hinder its acceleration, providing a thrilling experience, while adaptive-damping suspension, Pirelli P Zero performance tires, and Brembo brakes ensured power was manageable.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available 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, surpassing its V8-powered predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system in Canada, with a part-time setup and a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. 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 like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms (9,121 pounds), with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard front bucket seats, a three-seat second-row bench, and a two-seat third-row bench on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 litres with the third row folded, and 2,409 litres behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kilograms (6,200 pounds) for V6 models to 3,946 kilograms (8,700 pounds) for V8 models.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone model featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded, 1,387 litres behind the second row, and 325 to 631 litres behind the third row, depending on seat position. The third-row seats folded at the push of a button but didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by 7.5 centimetres, with legroom ranging from 713 to 855 mm in the third row, 995 mm in the second row, and 1,041 mm in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2023 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims, while the GT grade and above received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both screens used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen featuring the current Uconnect 5 system. The SRT and SRT Hellcat models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the main touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

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 touchscreen 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, while the Panoramic View monitor and 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 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, with additional driver-assist technologies available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard on all trims. This included 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 higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.