2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior, characterized by its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring just under 5 metres in length, exuded a stately presence. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. Despite its boxy hands-free liftgate, the GV80 maintained an elegant appearance, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the dash featured thin horizontal air vents. The centre console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor drawback in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with our Capstone model tester featuring more chrome brightwork and presented in Celestial Silver. This combination gave it a somewhat dated look, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical dials for volume and climate control. The shifter and steering wheel mirrored those of its truck siblings. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across the lineup, enhancing seating customization. Every model included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with an upgraded panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a serene highway commute. However, its acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slower compared to some competitors, and its handling felt less precise than German rivals.

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, delivering 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. In Canada, the Sequoia featured standard 4WD with a part-time system and a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the 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 driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms (9,121 pounds), with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. Our tester featured ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings and an Ergo driver's seat designed to reduce fatigue. The Nappa leather seats were sumptuous, and a third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 offered a spacious interior with a standard tri-zone climate control system and an available 21-speaker Lexicon sound system. Cargo space was generous, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with trailer brakes.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, making entry easier for shorter individuals. 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 were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was slightly reduced, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the standard head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, and the dial control was cumbersome. However, the dial's top could detect handwriting for navigation and radio searches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit with clear graphics. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in parking and maneuvering. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated Acceptable.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard across 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 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 from the IIHS.