2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly sculpted SUV body. This redesign gave the Sequoia a more commanding presence compared to its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with luxurious touches of leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a large 14-inch infotainment system, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck roots. 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. Off-road enthusiasts could opt for the TRD Pro or add a TRD Off-Road Package to the SR5 and Limited trims for enhanced capability.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a fresh lineup with four main trims: LS, LT, Z71, and RS. The Z71 was a new addition, catering to those seeking moderate off-road capabilities. Chevrolet emphasized that the Z71 was not designed for extreme off-roading but could handle rugged terrain. The Traverse's pricing was competitive, starting at $38,995 for the LS and reaching $55,595 for the RS. The Z71 model, priced at $47,795, featured gloss black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels and Iridescent Pearl Tricoat paint. Inside, the Traverse offered a Jet Black interior with "Torch Red" accents, and while synthetic leather was optional, the standard cloth seats were comfortable and breathable.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency improved, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg for 4WD and 22 mpg for 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.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse replaced its previous 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The AWD system in the Traverse Z71 featured a dual-clutch arrangement for improved grip. The Traverse offered satisfactory acceleration and passing power, with a pleasant exhaust note. The steering was adequate, though the vehicle's length was noticeable. The ride quality was commendable, even with all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance. The brakes were progressive, and the stop-and-start feature was seamless. EPA estimates for fuel economy ranged from 18 mpg city to 26 mpg highway for the Limited with FWD.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the panoramic sunroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The hybrid powertrain's battery pack compromised overall utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse provided seating for eight in the base LS model, with captain's chairs standard in the Z71 and RS trims. The Smart Slide second-row seats were easy to use, and the power-folding third row was a convenient feature. Cargo volume was competitive, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and 96 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Traverse offered ample storage options, including a hidden storage area under the center console and an underfloor storage bin in the cargo bay. Visibility was generally good, though the third row had limited views.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 and a 14-inch screen in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though glare was an issue. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, but there were occasional glitches. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system were effective in preventing accidents.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, standard on all models, with rapid response times and simple menus. An 11-inch digital instrument display provided navigation directions. The system ran on Google-based software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad was secure, and physical controls for volume and HVAC functions were appreciated. The Traverse also introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, which expanded its functionality to single-lane roadways.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash test ratings were not available, the Tundra's high IIHS rating was promising.

The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse offered a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, side-exit assist, and rear pedestrian alert. A surround-view parking camera was also standard. Crash test ratings were pending at the time of testing.