2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volvo XC90

The 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from the brand's past design ethos, which was often likened to utilitarian appliances. This model showcased a purposeful yet understated aesthetic, with a stout front end and a bold grille that avoided being ostentatious. The signature "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch, distinguishing it from the boxy Volvos of the past. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions were complemented by 21-inch wheels, adding a touch of drama to its otherwise stoic appearance. Inside, the XC90 exuded elegance with its two-tone leather steering wheel, metal speaker covers, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior design was enhanced by tasteful wood deco inlays, creating a serene and sophisticated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Celestial Silver finish lending a somewhat dated look. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, featuring physical dials and buttons for essential controls. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim offered SofTex leatherette seating. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup. However, the third-row seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and comfort for rear passengers.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 introduced the B6 engine, a mild-hybrid powertrain that replaced the older turbocharged engines. This setup delivered 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, slightly less than its predecessor but with improved fuel efficiency and smoother operation. The mild-hybrid system used a lithium-ion battery pack to power a 13-volt starter generator, enhancing the vehicle's auto stop-start technology. The XC90 offered a refined driving experience, with quick acceleration and a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its size, the XC90 handled corners well, and its brakes provided a confident pedal feel. However, it lacked extensive off-road capabilities, focusing instead on simplicity and ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced an impressive 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. Standard 4WD and a 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth operation, while the TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-ready features like unique tires and an off-road suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades for added convenience.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 offered a peaceful and pleasant front-seat experience, though its Scandinavian minimalism led to limited storage space. The centre console bin was small, and there was no dedicated space for a cell phone. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard seven-passenger seating. Cargo space was competitive, with 356 litres behind the third row and up to 1,856 litres with all rear seats folded. The XC90's smaller size contributed to its agile driving dynamics.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. Cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats' positioning above the battery pack affected headroom and comfort. Legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in this regard. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering for support.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's tech offering included a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, the first of its kind as standard. Google Maps, Spotify, and Google Assistant were integrated, enhancing the user experience with natural-language recognition. However, the reliance on the touchscreen for key functions could be frustrating, and more physical controls would have been appreciated. Keyless entry was standard, with an optional head-up display.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim featured a 14-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness, while the 12.3-inch driver information display offered clear graphics. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims, aiding visibility in a large vehicle. A 10-inch colour head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system were available on select trims.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 continued the brand's legacy of safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist technology provided additional support for maintaining distance and lane position.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, offering a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its Tundra sibling received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.