2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Volvo XC90

In Canada, the 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The B6 model came with a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency, with an estimated electric-only range of 53 kilometres. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 Ultimate trim test vehicle featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $107,709. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy paint palette, with various appealing wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and muscular stances. The exterior appearance varied significantly with colour choices, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dash layout, physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control, and a spacious centre console. The Capstone model featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette and leather were standard on lower trims. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup, with a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard on higher trims. The interior was spacious, with a maximum cargo capacity of 2,460 litres, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor offered 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres when driven as a hybrid. The XC90 Recharge T8 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with additional battery modes like Hold and Auto. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The XC90 offered lively performance with plenty of power, but its handling was not particularly thrilling, and the ride quality was firm on irregular pavement.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was offered exclusively in hybrid format, using Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, which combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with four-wheel drive. The Sequoia featured a standard part-time 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, and TRD Pro models included a skid plate. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the on-road handling was adequate for the class. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available. The SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, an off-road suspension, and driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, though their winged shape could catch on clothing. The XC90 offered a comfortable driving position with good sightlines, but the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven people, with a comfortable second-row bench seat and tight third-row access for adults. Interior storage was adequate, and cargo capacity ranged from 1,854 litres with the third-row seat down to 2,426 litres with the second-row seat folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, making it easier for shorter people to enter the vehicle. The Sequoia offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, cargo space was 1,387 litres, and behind the third row, it ranged from 325 to 631 litres. The second-row seats did not slide fore and aft but were easy to move for third-row access. The third-row seats could be folded at the push of a button, though they did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. This affected headroom and legroom, with the Sequoia offering less space than some rivals. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with premium sound systems available. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, and the digital voice assistant was generally effective. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

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

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not particularly innovative, with features like Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centring assist. Pilot Assist struggled with certain driving conditions and made a significant error during testing, affecting confidence in the technology.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard, with technologies 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. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.