2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

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 strong fender creases. 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 layout, 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.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a throwback to an earlier era, having last been redesigned in 2010. Its boxy shape and flared fenders gave it a rugged, stable appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model featured underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's old-school styling was evident, with an analog instrument panel and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. The interior had hard plastic surfaces, but cushioned panels provided comfort. The 4Runner's design leaned heavily on nostalgia, similar to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but lacked modern touches.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, 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 in Canada, with a 10-speed automatic transmission providing smooth operation. The TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-ready features like unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist technologies such as Crawl Control and hill-descent control. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with optional towing upgrades available.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner housed a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were competitive, the five-speed automatic transmission limited its performance compared to rivals with more advanced gearboxes. The TRD Pro model came with standard 4WD and a two-speed transfer case, excelling in off-road scenarios. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and noticeable engine noise. The soft suspension provided excellent wheel articulation off-road but resulted in body roll and nosedive during on-road driving. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, suitable for small campers.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered automatic power-deploying running boards on higher trims, aiding entry for shorter passengers. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,460 litres available with the second and third rows folded. However, the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in this regard. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though dated, featured a user-friendly layout with large climate-control dials and sturdy handles for off-road stability. Front passengers enjoyed ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered abundant legroom, though headroom was restricted for taller passengers. Cargo capacity reached 2,540 litres with the rear seats stowed, and the 4Runner's almost flat load floor was practical for various uses. The sliding glass rear window and hitch receiver added convenience, while the lack of remote seat releases and powered liftgate were notable omissions.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an eight-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A full-colour 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across all trims, while the Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch head-up display were available on higher trims. The JBL Premium Audio system was standard on Platinum and Capstone trims.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model included a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with pictograms requiring reference to the owner's manual for full utilization. Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhanced off-road capabilities, while differential controls maximized traction.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia boasted the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite as standard, including features like 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. While the Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, the similar Toyota Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side impacts. However, it scored three stars in rollover evaluations. The IIHS provided "Good" ratings for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests but noted "Marginal" and "Poor" results in newer tests. The 4Runner included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.