2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. Its design was more commanding than its predecessor, though opinions on its appeal varied. The Sequoia’s traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra’s more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared much with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, but some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 drew design inspiration from the G70 sedan, with split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV without sacrificing versatility. Inside, the GV70 impressed with high-quality materials and a blend of contemporary and classic design elements. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose seamlessly from the dash. The GV70’s interior was both luxurious and functional, with a rotary dial and button controls complementing the touchscreen interface.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a towing capacity of 4,137 kilograms, surpassing the previous model. Fuel efficiency improved, with ratings of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, but its ride quality varied, with Sport mode providing the best balance. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy and inconsistent.

The Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines delivered power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to AWD. The GV70 balanced comfort and handling, with the electric version providing 429 horsepower and a range of 383 kilometres. The Boost Mode increased output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The GV70’s handling leaned towards comfort, with a smooth acceleration and a well-rounded driving experience.

The Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable seating and a premium audio system. However, the panoramic moonroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. The hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility compared to previous models.

The Genesis GV70 provided 1,611 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded and 818 litres with them in use. The hands-free power liftgate was standard. Front seating was comfortable, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for comfort. The GV70’s interior offered practical storage solutions, though larger water bottles didn’t fit in the door cupholders.

The 2023 Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering additional features. The system was intuitive but suffered from glare. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, though some tech features had minor issues during testing.

The Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. The interface was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Optional features included a Lexicon audio system and a digital key, enhancing the tech experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features such as 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 unavailable, the Tundra’s high ratings suggested strong safety performance.

The Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and highway driving assist. The 2.5T Advance Plus added a blind-spot camera and a 360-degree parking camera. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, indicating excellent safety credentials.