2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Chevrolet Equinox

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 exterior was characterized by a traditional grille and front bumper, which gave it a more refined look compared to its pickup counterpart. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system was a standout feature, although some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each offering different features and capabilities, with the TRD Pro being the choice for off-roading enthusiasts.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not as visually striking as some competitors, was an attractive crossover with a restrained design. Its chunky front end and smaller grille provided a refreshing change from the aggressive fascias common in the industry. The Equinox was available in four trims, with AWD as an option for the LS and LT trims in Canada. Inside, the Equinox offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. The interior featured two-tone leather upholstery in the Premier trim, and while it lacked the flashiness of some rivals, it was practical and user-friendly. The Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a small but clear touchscreen and wireless connectivity options.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor/generator. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Sequoia to tow up to 4,137 kilograms. The hybrid system also improved fuel efficiency, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. However, the ride quality could be busy and jittery in Normal mode, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds, taking about eight seconds to reach highway speeds. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which contributed to its powertrain noise. AWD was available but required manual engagement. The Equinox's suspension was well-sorted, providing a comfortable ride, and the steering was tight and accurate, making it enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with features like heated and ventilated seats, a JBL audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain, with limited cargo capacity compared to its predecessor. The third-row seats were less comfortable, and the cargo area was smaller, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres. The Sequoia's utility was further reduced by the absence of a power liftgate window, replaced by a flip-up glass window.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox, while not boasting the largest trunk in its class, offered a respectable 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 1,809 litres. The Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for taller occupants. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cup holders and door pockets. The Premier trim offered a power liftgate and an optional panoramic sunroof, enhancing convenience and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, glare on the display was an issue, especially in the Capstone trim. The Sequoia offered connected services, including an Intelligent Assistant for navigation, but some features required workarounds. The Capstone trim also included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's technology was straightforward, with a 7-inch touchscreen in lower trims and an 8-inch screen in the Premier trim. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use and responsive. The Equinox offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad and an optional Bose audio system, providing additional convenience and entertainment options.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on most trims. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, highlighting areas for improvement in safety performance.