2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Genesis GV80

The 2024 Genesis GV80 was a testament to luxury, offering a choice between the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 models. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing that included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-shelf U.S. trim, Prestige Signature, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and stylish 22-inch wheel designs, with interior details like diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents. Ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display underscored the GV80’s luxury status. Despite the absence of the Prestige Signature trim in Canada, the regular Prestige trim was recommended for its luxury offerings.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring design cues like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly altered its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Presented in Celestial Silver, it appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra with a blocky, geometric dash layout, physical dials, and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup, enhancing seating customization. Every 2024 Sequoia included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with an upgraded panoramic version standard on Platinum and Capstone trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 2.5T featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, surpassing some rivals' larger V6 engines. The 3.5T model boasted a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, offering satisfying performance but higher fuel consumption. Natural Resources Canada rated it at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though real-world tests showed 13.7 L/100 km. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive, with five driving modes available. The GV80 offered 20.5 centimetres of ground clearance and a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and adaptive damping suspension, providing a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from P265/40R22 all-season tires.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. The Sequoia featured standard 4WD with a part-time system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model included unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades. The on-road handling was adequate, typical for its class, while the hybrid powertrain offered a pleasant sound and improved performance.

In 2024, the Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige was the only model offering a third-row seat. Depending on the trim, it featured real or Nappa leather, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof. The Prestige trim added rear seat ventilation and power-operated side window shades. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, with limited rear seat recline and legroom. The GV80 offered commendable storage space, with 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row and up to 2,378 litres with the back seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered up to 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it provided 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, 325 to 631 litres, depending on seat position. The third-row seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, offering wide but flat seating. The Sequoia's interior space was competitive, though it lagged behind some rivals in legroom.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a round control dial on the centre console for ease of use. The standard infotainment package included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered Genesis Connected Services, wireless smartphone charging, and a digital key system. Prestige trim vehicles had a Lexicon premium sound system, with a head-up display standard in Canada. The GV80’s infotainment display was graphically pleasing, with a simple and intuitive user interface.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality, with a full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims, aiding in maneuvering the large vehicle. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous standard and available advanced driving-assistance systems, including a camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor displayed a video feed within the digital instrument panel, enhancing safety during lane changes. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the frontal-impact test earned four stars for driver and passenger seating positions.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard across all trims. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert 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 been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.