2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing its interior appeal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a dramatic evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from a truck-based off-roader to a car-based crossover. Built on an EV-specific platform, it shared some styling elements with its gasoline counterpart but featured a unique design with a tall hood, boomerang-shaped taillights, and a scowling front end. The Blazer EV was longer and wider than rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, giving it a more traditional SUV appearance. It launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements, and a forthcoming SS model promised even more unique features. Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and optional red leather upholstery, creating a fun and stylish cabin.

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, delivering 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system in Canada, with a 10-speed automatic transmission providing smooth operation. The TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with 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 towing-related upgrades available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD powertrain in LT and RS trims. RWD models produced 340 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, while AWD models had 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. A forthcoming SS model promised 557 hp and 648 lb-ft of torque, with a WOW launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's RWD and AWD versions provided strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction. The Blazer EV's ride and handling were impressive, though the stiff suspension affected comfort. It featured a steering-wheel paddle for regenerative braking control, enhancing driver involvement.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, it offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor when folded. Headroom and legroom measurements varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in space. Second-row captain's chairs were available in higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV's interior felt spacious, though headroom and legroom were similar to the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV, with high side sills and a deep dashboard. Cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with seats folded, less than a gasoline Blazer but more than an EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate and ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across trims, while the Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The Sequoia also offered a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on select trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a Google-based infotainment system with built-in Google apps, eliminating standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen and 11-inch digital instrument cluster with sharp graphics. The system included built-in route planning and OTA software updates. The Blazer EV offered a hands-free start sequence, a departure from traditional Chevy models, and touchscreen-based controls for various functions.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including 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. A trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist was optional on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA at the time of publication. It featured standard automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on SS and optional on RS trims, providing advanced driver assistance capabilities.