2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

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 compared to its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system was a standout feature, dominating the dashboard. However, despite its upscale appearance, some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, from the base TRD Off-road to the luxurious Capstone, with prices starting at $79,335 and reaching $95,335 for the Capstone. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or the more affordable TRD Off-Road trim, which offered off-road capabilities and features like all-terrain tires and an electronically controlled locking rear differential.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a rugged counterpart to the CX-5, boasting a more substantial design with broader proportions. It was lower, wider, and longer than the CX-5, with a stretched wheelbase. The CX-50's design was fresh and modern, with square wheel arches and fake air vents adding to its rugged appeal. Available in three trims in Canada—GS-L, GT, and Meridian Edition—the CX-50 catered to different preferences. The Meridian Edition, in particular, emphasized an active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior featured an earthy colour palette and Terracotta leather upholstery, with a pleasing design and impressive material quality. However, Mazda's aspiration to move upscale was still a work in progress, as some features, like the manually adjustable passenger seat, reminded buyers of its traditional market position.

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. While it lacked the rumble of the previous 5.7-litre V8, the new V6 offered superior towing capabilities, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The Sequoia also improved fuel efficiency, achieving 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD, compared to the previous model's 16.4 L/100 km. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the Sequoia's steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard across all models. The CX-50 offered Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes, with a Towing mode on turbo models, increasing towing capacity to 1,587 kilograms. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it provided a different driving experience, focusing more on comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, but the CX-50 remained well-mannered overall.

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 front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated steering wheel was standard. However, the panoramic glass 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 available with the third-row seat in place, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,460 litres, significantly less than its predecessor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded. While the CX-50 trailed some competitors in cargo space, it offered a power liftgate for easier access. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage space, despite the presence of a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console. The Meridian Edition's rugged looks were not matched by additional functionality in the cargo area.

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 was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant, though some issues were noted during testing. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the interface required adjustment, it provided physical feedback and was easy to use without distraction. The infotainment system felt dated, but it suited buyers seeking simplicity.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's Tundra platform received high marks from the IIHS.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. The CX-50 offered a range of standard driver-assist features, with optional enhancements like emergency lane-keeping and a 360-degree camera system.