2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a significant facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback an aggressive appearance, further enhanced by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback offered six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition becoming more accessible due to its availability with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495.

In contrast, 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. Our tester, in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car," while a switch to Solar Octane orange and black accents transformed it into a "Tonka truck." Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout and physical dials for volume and climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather seating surfaces. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof standard across the lineup.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which contributed to a lower center of gravity and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged XT models offered a more satisfying 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency, with ratings of 25 mpg combined for most trims. The Outback's CVT mimicked an eight-speed automatic, and the standard Active Torque Split AWD system provided excellent off-road capabilities, aided by the X-Mode traction system and hill descent control.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively a hybrid, utilized the iForce MAX powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor for 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant improvement over its V8 predecessor, with a towing capacity of 9,520 pounds. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the TRD Off-Road package added adventure-ready features like all-terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD, and the TRD Pro trim offered a part-time 4WD system with selectable modes.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack and flat door sill trim. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated, wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with them folded. The vehicle's design made entry and exit easy, and the robust roof rack was ready for accessories. However, more practical storage space could be added by redesigning the center console.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. The Sequoia offered 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid battery pack. The interior provided ample legroom, though headroom was reduced in the third row. Second-row captain's chairs were available in higher trims, offering comfort but lacking bolstering. The Sequoia's interior space was competitive, though it fell behind some rivals in legroom.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical controls for volume and climate, while other functions were embedded in the touchscreen. The voice recognition system was subpar, necessitating the use of smartphone connectivity. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, though a surround-view camera was unavailable.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering ease of use despite a lackluster appearance. The driver-information display was a full-color 12.3-inch unit, and the Panoramic View monitor was standard. A 10-inch color head-up display was available, and the JBL Premium Audio system was standard on higher trims. The Sequoia's technology package was comprehensive, providing essential features for a vehicle of its size.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top safety marks from the IIHS. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Outback's safety features were effective, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning was also standard. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. While the Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.