2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 presence than its predecessor. While the Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper differentiated it from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look, its appeal was subjective. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale 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. However, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, just shy of 5 metres long, featured 20-inch wheels as standard in Canada, with the Prestige trim boasting 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear echoed the quad lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust. The matte Brunswick Green paint job added an elegant touch. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was part of a spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with 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 hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. While it lacked the rumble of the previous 5.7-litre V8, the new V6 offered improved towing capacity, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. Fuel efficiency was also enhanced, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving with 4WD. The Sequoia's ride quality varied across driving modes, with Sport mode being the favourite for its balance of powertrain responsiveness and ride control.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6. Our tester featured the V6, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While not the quickest in its class, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable highway commute. However, the GV80's handling was less precise compared to its German rivals.

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 climate control system. The Sequoia's interior featured power-deploying running boards, a panoramic glass moonroof, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with the second-row seats folded. The hybrid powertrain's impact on cargo capacity was notable, making the Sequoia less spacious than its rivals.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather upholstery. The Ergo driver's seat provided fatigue-reducing features, while the tri-zone climate control system ensured comfort for all passengers. The GV80's cargo space was impressive, with 988 litres behind the second row, expandable to 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms with trailer brakes. The GV80's interior was a blend of luxury and utility, with features like Genesis puddle lamps and a digital key for added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though glare on the display was an issue. The Intelligent Assistant, part of the Drive Connect plan, responded to voice commands, though it had some limitations. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's tech suite was comprehensive, though some features required refinement.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though not wirelessly. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside. The tech suite included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet, ensuring devices remained charged.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's safety features were comprehensive and effective.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though its headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.