2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Acura RDX

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold and commanding presence, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its redesigned exterior featured a traditional grille and front bumper, which distinguished it from the Tundra's more unconventional look. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, offering an industrial theme with luxurious touches in the Capstone trim, such as leather, wood, and metallic finishes. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system was a standout feature, though some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD.

The 2023 Acura RDX was known for its sharp, angular style, though it maintained a conventional enough appearance to blend in with other small SUVs. The signature Acura grille, flanked by sleek wraparound headlights, gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The interior deviated from the horizontal dashboard trend, opting for a vertical layout with a focus on performance. The cockpit featured a 10.2-inch infotainment display, gear-selector buttons, and a drive-mode dial. While the RDX's cabin wasn't as modern as some competitors, it offered a familiar feel for those averse to the latest tech-heavy designs.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain that delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 9,520 pounds and carry a payload of 1,730 pounds. The new Sequoia was more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, achieving 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, offering a sporty driving experience with immediate throttle response and a pleasing engine sound. The RDX's handling was confident, with well-managed body roll and a comfortable ride. The advanced AWD system provided excellent traction, and the brake pedal was firm and easy to modulate. The RDX's performance was well-rounded, appealing to drivers seeking a balance of sportiness and comfort.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain. The third-row seat was less comfortable than competitors, and cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the seats expanded capacity to 86.9 cubic feet, but this was still smaller than previous models and rivals.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided ample space for front passengers, with additional power adjustments in top trims. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RDX offered 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, with a deep bin under the cargo floor for additional storage. Folding the rear seats expanded capacity to 79.8 cubic feet. The RDX's interior featured various storage options, though the center stack design could be more space-efficient.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some bugs, and the head-up display was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The Sequoia also included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2023 Acura RDX used a touchpad infotainment controller, which was challenging to use while driving. The system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easier navigation. The RDX's infotainment system featured sharp graphics and quick responses, but the interface was one of the least user-friendly. The RDX included a Wi-Fi hotspot, remote monitoring, and a premium audio system in higher trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform shared high ratings with the Tundra.

The 2023 Acura RDX received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a head-up display. The RDX's safety systems performed well, though the lane-keep assist was better suited for straight highways.