Toyota Sequoia vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures and tones, and the quality of materials and controls was deemed subpar. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, presented in Celestial Silver, was noted for its chrome brightwork, giving it a somewhat dated appearance. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, and the Sequoia offered a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version. The interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a focus on comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and regenerative brakes to assist with battery charging. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system, but it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a lack of high-speed passing power. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a compliant ride and a quiet highway experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, offered exclusively in hybrid format, used Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. It delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD, with TRD Pro models equipped for off-road adventures. The Sequoia's towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the interior offered standard three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. The Highlander Hybrid provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the interior design was criticized for its complex centre armrest storage console and unlined storage areas.

The 2024 Toyota 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 could be folded at the push of a button. However, the seats were positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and comfort. The Sequoia's interior featured second-row captain's chairs in higher trims, with wide but flat seats lacking bolstering.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, though the graphics were criticized for lacking contrast.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim was equipped with a 14-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver information display. The infotainment system was praised for its ease of use, despite a lackluster appearance. The Sequoia featured a Panoramic View monitor, a 10-inch colour head-up display, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors were standard, and a trailer backup guide was optional on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.