2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Mazda CX-90

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 featured a traditional grille and front bumper, which distinguished it from the Tundra's more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements 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 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. Despite its upscale appearance, some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different preferences, from off-road enthusiasts to those seeking luxury.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, elevated Mazda's reputation for luxury and design. Drawing inspiration from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, the CX-90 expanded these design cues into a larger, more imposing SUV. Its exterior was marked by a prominent grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels, all accentuated by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, the CX-90's top trims rivalled luxury brands with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. The CX-90 offered a range of trims, each benefiting from Mazda's stylish design language and comfortable layout. The vehicle's interior was a testament to Mazda's commitment to quality, with features that could compete with high-end luxury vehicles.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 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 a standout feature, with a maximum rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada, surpassing its predecessor. Fuel efficiency also improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor their experience. However, the SUV's steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system. The upgraded 3.3-litre inline-6 turbo engine produced 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, delivering 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CX-90 excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and agile steering, making it feel nimble despite its size.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, 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 and a panoramic glass moonroof, though the latter reduced second-row headroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof, and cargo space was limited, with a maximum capacity of 2,460 litres. The hybrid powertrain's battery pack compromised the Sequoia's overall utility, reducing cargo space compared to its predecessor.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the lowest trims accommodating eight passengers and higher trims featuring captain's chairs. The CX-90 provided up to 2,129 litres of cargo space, with clever storage options throughout the cabin. While it fell short of some competitors in terms of capacity, the CX-90's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a panoramic sunroof. The CX-90's design prioritized comfort and convenience, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, glare on the display was an issue, especially in the Capstone trim. The Sequoia included connected services, a 10-inch head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system were effective, enhancing safety during reversing maneuvers.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 employed the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the system aimed to reduce distractions, it proved cumbersome to use. The CX-90 offered personalization software, adjusting settings based on facial recognition. It also included standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with touchscreen controls for these systems. Despite its quirks, the CX-90's technology suite was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. These included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's safety features were impressive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 featured i-Activsense, Mazda's suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-90 Signature trim added cruising and traffic support, enhancing highway driving. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90's safety features were comprehensive and effective.