2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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 featured a traditional grille and front bumper, which distinguished it from the Tundra's more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, offering an industrial yet upscale feel, especially in the Capstone trim. This top-tier version boasted a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone interior, dominated by a 14-inch infotainment system. Despite its premium appearance, some materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different preferences and budgets, with the TRD Pro offering enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, available in nine distinct trims, combined retro styling with modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were instantly recognizable. The Bronco's interior continued the rugged theme, with durable materials designed for off-road adventures. Features like sealed switches and drain plugs allowed for easy cleaning after a day in the dirt. The Bronco offered a range of engines, from a 2.3-litre four-cylinder to a powerful 3.0-litre V6 in the Raptor trim. Its off-road prowess was complemented by a suite of technology features, including multiple camera views and the G.O.A.T. drive modes, which made tackling various terrains a breeze.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing its towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. Despite its power, the Sequoia's ride quality varied across driving modes, with Sport mode offering the best balance of performance and comfort. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy, but the Custom mode allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine options, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.7-litre V6 increased output to 330 horsepower, while the Raptor's 3.0-litre V6 delivered 418 horsepower. All Broncos featured a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, especially with the aid of cameras and off-road features.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats and a premium audio system. The interior featured thoughtful touches like a padded door panel shelf for long trips. However, the Sequoia's third-row seating was less comfortable due to the high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in place, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. The hybrid powertrain's battery pack compromised overall utility, reducing cargo capacity compared to previous models.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, with ample room in both two- and four-door models. The four-door version offered easier access to rear seats and more cargo space, with up to 1,008 litres behind the rear seats and 2,197 litres with seats folded. The Bronco's interior featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. While the rear seats didn't fold flat, the Bronco's roof mounting points allowed for overlanding setups. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the easily removable fenders and doors, enhancing the Bronco's versatility.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 14-inch display on higher trims. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering additional features like an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional connectivity issues. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing settings for various terrains. Multiple camera views provided visibility in tight spots, while Trail Turn Assist improved maneuverability. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available 12-inch display for easier use. These features, combined with Ford's SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect, ensured a connected and capable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared high ratings with the Tundra, suggesting strong safety performance.

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 "Good" ratings in most crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning and hill-descent control, with optional packages adding advanced driver assistance systems. While the Bronco's safety features were effective, they were not as comprehensive as those in more conventional SUVs.