2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

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. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design 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 was available in a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $79,335 for the TRD Off-road and reaching $95,335 for the Capstone. The TRD Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities, while the TRD Off-Road provided a more budget-friendly option with off-road features.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 retained the design introduced in 2019, with the Trail trim standing out due to its two-part face and aggressive styling. The Trail trim featured blacked-out wheels, a faux skid plate, and orange interior accents, giving it a rugged appearance. However, it was more of a style statement than a true off-roader. The RAV4's interior offered practical storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. The RAV4's seating was comfortable, with fabric upholstery and heated front seats standard on the LE and XLE trims. The Limited trim offered synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats, and a more premium feel. The RAV4's cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

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, 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 significantly improved, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. Fuel efficiency also saw improvements, 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 to their preferences. However, the regenerative braking system could feel unresponsive, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the RAV4's performance was not particularly exciting, it was adequate for everyday driving. The RAV4 Trail trim came with 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, providing a comfortable ride. The RAV4's suspension system, consisting of a MacPherson independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, contributed to its smooth handling. The RAV4's engine was not as loud as some competitors, but it was not the quietest either. Overall, the RAV4 offered a balanced driving experience suitable for various road conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable and quiet ride at highway speeds. The cabin featured comfortable front seats with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-deploying running boards for easier access. 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 and 1,387 litres with the third-row seats folded. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain impacted its overall utility, reducing cargo capacity compared to previous models.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered seating for five, with 958 millimetres of headroom in the front row and 1,001 mm in the back seats. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. The RAV4 provided practical storage options, including a shelf running the length of the glove compartment and generous door pockets. Cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's interior was comfortable and functional, making it a practical choice for families and daily commuting.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base TRD Off-road trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services like Drive Connect and Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim offered a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the infotainment system's glare and occasional bugs were noted during testing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 received an updated infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display. The RAV4's technology offerings were modern and user-friendly, enhancing the overall driving experience.

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

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 received a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, indicating its strong safety performance. The RAV4's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.