2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added a nostalgic touch with a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. The materials prioritized durability over luxury, with a reassuring heft to all elements.

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 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, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor trim featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but it remained confident and maneuverable.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, using 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. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. It featured a part-time 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model included unique tires, TRD badging, and off-road suspension, enhancing its adventure-readiness. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to the rear seats. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. The two-door Bronco had up to 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door offered up to 1,008 litres. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the roof's mounting points could hold an overlanding platform and tent. The fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. It offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. The second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating. The Sequoia's interior space was competitive, though it lagged behind some rivals in legroom.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road abilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes for various terrains. Numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature improved maneuverability in tight spaces. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through a 14-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality, and the driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch screen. The Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch colour head-up display were standard on higher trims, enhancing visibility and convenience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking 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.