2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, with its bold design inspired by the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The SUV's newly creased and kinked body gave it a more commanding appearance than its predecessor. While the traditional grille and front bumper differentiated it from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look, the Sequoia's design was a matter of personal taste. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale touches like leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior's cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX showcased a sharp, angular style that was unique yet conventional enough to blend in with other small SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive front look. The side profile featured a distinctive character line suggesting forward movement, while the rear design was more conventional. Inside, the RDX opted for a vertical dashboard layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The 10.2-inch infotainment display sat atop the dash, and the instrument panel combined digital and analog elements. While the RDX's interior wasn't as modern as some rivals, it offered a familiar and user-friendly experience for those averse to the latest tech trends.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a robust hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity was a standout feature, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada, surpassing its predecessor. Fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving with 4WD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Acura RDX, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX featured standard all-wheel drive, known as "super-handling all-wheel drive" or "SH-AWD." It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The RDX's handling was commendable, with well-managed body roll and ample traction from the advanced AWD system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim included adaptive dampers, enhancing cornering prowess without sacrificing ride comfort. The RDX's performance was characterized by its easy-to-drive nature and comfortable ride, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The front seats were particularly comfortable, and the heated steering wheel and power-folding mirrors added convenience. However, the panoramic glass moonroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was a compromise, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in place, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's overall utility was reduced compared to its predecessor, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,460 litres.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX offered ample space for front passengers, with generous cushioning and power adjustments for side bolsters and thigh extension in the top trim. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including a covered centre console bin, a bin under the armrest, and a large tray under the centre console. While the centre stack design took up space, the RDX's overall interior layout was practical and user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with Bluetooth pairing. The Sequoia's tech package included a digital rearview mirror and parking sensors with automatic braking, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Acura RDX, however, used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use while driving. The dashtop display was not a touchscreen, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity improved the experience. The RDX's infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface was one of the least user-friendly in its class. Standard tech features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium audio system, providing a rich audio experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While the Sequoia had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, the Tundra, on which it was based, received high ratings from IIHS.

The 2023 Acura RDX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, with only occasional false warnings during aggressive driving.