2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Acura MDX

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.

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These changes enhanced the SUV's visual presence, especially in sporty and performance versions. Inside, the MDX received a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and adding more storage. The seats from the MDX Type S model were introduced to the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX maintained its reputation for quality, though the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting dust and smudges. The controls were logically placed, with a volume knob and tuning rocker switch on the centre console, and quick-access buttons for head-up display and safety features on the dashboard.

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. This marked an increase of 46 hp and 182 lb-ft over the 2022 model. 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 that operated smoothly. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model catered to adventure-seekers 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 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV. The standard 3.5-litre V6 engine produced 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's SH-AWD system. The MDX offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, with the Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. Fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, though our test vehicle averaged 15.3 L/100 km. The MDX handled twisty roads confidently, with smooth body motions and consistent behaviour. It provided a firm and communicative ride in the city, with swift acceleration and a comfortable highway ride. The MDX was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding shorter individuals in entering the vehicle. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they did not create a flat load floor. Headroom was reduced due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for storage or pass-through access. The MDX offered comfortable second-row seating with ample legroom and side window shades. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support. In-cabin storage included a new centre console tray, wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage compartments. Cargo volume measured up to 512 litres behind the third row, with additional storage compartments available.

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 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 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, though SiriusXM satellite radio required streaming through a smartphone app. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The Bang & Olufsen audio system provided high-quality sound, with 19 or 31 speakers depending on the trim. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display. The MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec and Type S Ultra featured a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility.

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. 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 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. During testing, the AcuraWatch features performed well, though the lane-departure warning notification was less preferred. The 2025 MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.