2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was a testament to rugged design, with its fourth-generation JL model showcasing a boxy, no-nonsense aesthetic. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited versions, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. Its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and wide fenders were complemented by unique colour options like the limited-edition "Reign" purple and the new "Earl" grey. Inside, the Wrangler maintained its practical nature with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward, utilitarian design, featuring a body-coloured dash and chunky controls.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, boasting a muscular stance with hexagonal grilles and strong fender creases. The Capstone model, adorned in Celestial Silver, exuded a somewhat dated appearance with its chrome accents. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric layout, offering physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, providing a comfortable and customizable driving experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler was renowned for its off-road prowess, featuring solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. For torque enthusiasts, the 3.0-litre Ecodiesel V6 delivered 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 model boasted a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 hp and torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a 17.3-kWh battery pack for 35 km of all-electric range. However, the 392's brakes and steering were criticized for their inadequacy in handling the V8's power.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively available as a hybrid, utilized the iForce MAX powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for a total output of 427 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant improvement over its V8 predecessor, with better fuel economy rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and its part-time 4WD system included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The TRD Off-Road model featured off-road suspension, an electronic locking rear differential, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kg, with optional towing upgrades available.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available on select trims. The rear seat was a tight fit for three passengers, and the small rear doors made access challenging. Storage space was limited, with a flat dash and small glove box and centre console. The Wrangler's cargo capacity was 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. Various top options allowed for open-air driving, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top, which retracted in 17 seconds. The Wrangler provided ample charging points, with USB-A and USB-C ports and a 115-volt outlet.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards on the Capstone and Platinum trims, aiding entry for shorter passengers. It offered a maximum cargo space of 2,460 litres with both rear rows folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid battery, did not create a flat load floor and reduced headroom. Legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe in some measurements. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, though some seating positions were less comfortable due to the battery placement.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system, while initially complex, offered intuitive access to features like off-road pages, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler included a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories but lacked advanced tech features like a digital key or comprehensive over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness, with a user-friendly interface. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims, while the Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The Sequoia's audio system included a 14-speaker JBL setup on select models, enhancing the in-cabin experience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's safety features were limited, with only a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control as standard. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with some trims earning Poor headlight rankings and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia excelled in safety, with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite standard across all trims. This included 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 Sequoia offered a trailer backup guide as an optional feature on higher trims. While not yet rated by safety organizations, the Sequoia's Tundra sibling earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.