2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade stood as a towering presence, nearly six-and-a-half feet above the ground, requiring a substantial 18 to 19 feet of length to park. It was a motorized cargo container, equipped with three rows of leather seats and an array of computers, reminiscent of a command center. The Escalade ESV extended this grandeur by an additional 15 inches, primarily stretching the wheelbase. The Escalade, along with its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL counterparts, was designed for show, appealing to pop musicians, overzealous parents, wannabe federal agents, or boaters with large families. Its athletic and trim appearance was achieved through thin LED lights and darkened chrome bits, masking its mass. The interior boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious wood trim, though the allure faded in the second and third rows, where parts from cheaper GM vehicles were evident.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. The interior mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Sequoia Capstone offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims varied from fabric to leather. The Sequoia's interior was practical, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup. The Sequoia's design was functional, with a focus on ease of use and practicality, though it lacked the opulence of some luxury competitors.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade offered a pleasant driving experience, though its standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine, with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, did not deliver the acceleration its sound suggested. It achieved a combined 16 mpg with optional 4WD. The Escalade-V variant addressed acceleration with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque, though it seemed excessive. An optional 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 provided 277 hp and better fuel economy at 22 mpg combined. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, with a center differential locking torque 50:50 front to rear. Its magnetic dampers and air suspension improved maneuverability, though wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid setup improved fuel economy to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The Sequoia TRD Pro offered 4WD with a part-time system and off-road enhancements. The TRD Off-Road package added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and on-road handling was adequate for its class.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a spacious interior, with 25 cubic feet behind the third row, 73 cubic feet behind the second row, and 121 cubic feet with both rows down. The Escalade ESV offered even more space, maxing out at 143 cubic feet. The independent rear suspension provided generous headroom and legroom in every row. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart and fast infotainment system. Optional features included a front console refrigerator and power-retractable side steps. The air suspension eased loading and unloading, and the tailgate had a separate glass window.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it provided 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet. 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. The Sequoia's interior space was limited by the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, affecting headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, though they lacked bolstering.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a span of OLED screens across the dash, providing sharp and clear displays. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, and Super Cruise offered hands-free highway driving. The Escalade included night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system. The front seats offered massage functions, and the rear-seat entertainment system could stream apps. The technology was advanced and user-friendly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through a 14-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The driver-information display was a full-color 12.3-inch screen, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard. A 10-inch color head-up display was available, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was standard on higher trims. The Sequoia's technology was practical and user-friendly, with a focus on essential features.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade earned four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included reverse emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Super Cruise.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, with features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were standard, as was blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.