2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

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 Celestial Silver on the Capstone model giving it a somewhat dated look reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, featuring physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. 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 all trims and included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, maintaining a modern and appealing look. The Suna trim, new for 2024, featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy for base engine versions and added wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup included base engine and Turbo models, with the Turbo offering 256 horsepower on premium gas. The interior materials, seating, and technology upgrades over the years resulted in an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase over its predecessor, with improved fuel economy rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a standard 4WD system with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth operation. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model catered to adventure seekers with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. However, the CX-5 Turbo's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's driving experience was characterized by excellent outward visibility, responsive handling, and a smooth ride. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced cornering, while the CX-5's suspension improvements minimized choppy rides. The CX-5 could tow up to 900 kilograms, making it suitable for light towing needs.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. The Sequoia offered a maximum of 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, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor when folded. The Sequoia's interior dimensions included 995 mm of headroom in the front, 952 to 975 mm in the middle, and 904 mm in the back. Legroom ranged from 713 to 855 mm in the third row, 995 mm in the second row, and 1,041 mm in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering wide but flat seating.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provided standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with redesigned seats offering comfort and support. The driver's seat featured six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather upholstery was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the Signature trim. The CX-5's interior, though smaller in its segment, accommodated four adults comfortably. The rear seat offered good support, and passengers benefited from rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders. The CX-5's cabin design and quality elevated it above many mass-market rivals, with 871 litres of cargo space behind the back seat and a maximum of 1,680 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashy design. The Sequoia featured a full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display and a Panoramic View monitor on Platinum and Capstone trims. A 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone.

Mazda's approach to infotainment in the 2024 CX-5 emphasized traditional switchgear for various controls, with a setting allowing touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features. Several CX-5 trims included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, enhancing the SUV's premium interior.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including 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 on Platinum and Capstone trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, a traffic sign recognition system, and additional safety features. The CX-5 had previously received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though it did not earn it in 2024. The NHTSA awarded the CX-5 five-star ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.