2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volvo XC90

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 a blend of traditional and modern elements, featuring a distinctive grille and front bumper that set it apart from its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design cues 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 massive 14-inch infotainment system. However, despite its premium appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins.

The 2023 Volvo XC90, in contrast, showcased a more understated elegance. Its design was purposeful without being ostentatious, with a solid front end and a grille that was assertive yet not overwhelming. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, while the overall shape retained a hint of Volvo's rectilinear past. Inside, the XC90 exuded Scandinavian minimalism, with a focus on high-quality materials like Nappa leather and wood inlays. The cabin was a blend of elegance and functionality, though it lacked ample storage space for smaller items. The XC90's interior was a testament to Volvo's commitment to creating a serene and sophisticated driving environment.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a robust hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator. 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 a standout feature, with a maximum rating of 4,137 kilograms (9,120 pounds) in Canada, surpassing its predecessor. Fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving with 4WD. However, the Sequoia's ride quality varied depending on the driving mode, with Sport and Sport+ modes offering better control but at the expense of comfort.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older T5 and T6 engines. This new setup produced 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, slightly less than the previous T6 engine. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency marginally and provided smoother operation. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV handled corners well, thanks to its big wheels and thin tires, and road noise was minimal. However, the XC90 lacked the customizable driving dynamics found in some competitors, offering a more straightforward driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a comfortable cabin with features like soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain, resulting in reduced cargo capacity compared to its predecessor. The third-row seats were less comfortable, with limited legroom and thigh support. Cargo space was also limited, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres, significantly less than its rivals.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of elegance and functionality, though it lacked ample storage space for smaller items. The second row was comfortable and spacious, but accessing the third row was challenging. With the third-row seats in place, the XC90 offered 356 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. While the XC90's cargo capacity fell short of some competitors, its driving dynamics made it feel smaller and more agile than a typical three-row SUV.

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, the display suffered from glare, and some features required manual intervention. The Capstone trim offered additional tech features like a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering was centred around a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS. This system integrated Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant, providing a seamless user experience. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for many functions could be frustrating, and the lack of physical buttons was a drawback. Keyless entry was standard, and a head-up display was optional, adding to the XC90's tech appeal.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high safety ratings.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety tech included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support, maintaining distance from other vehicles and assisting with lane-keeping. These features underscored Volvo's commitment to safety.