2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Toyota RAV4

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. Its traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra's more unconventional design. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a 14-inch infotainment system, and while it exuded luxury, some materials reminded occupants 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. 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.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to project a rugged image with its aggressive styling, including angular body cladding and dual exhaust outlets. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $38,295 plus destination, featured Army Green paint and additional options, bringing the MSRP to $41,925. The RAV4 lineup offered a range of prices, starting at $28,675 for the LE and reaching $38,295 for the TRD Off-Road. Hybrid versions added a premium but offered improved power and fuel efficiency. The RAV4's interior emphasized utility, with practical features like storage shelves and easy-clean surfaces. Higher trims provided more upscale options, such as contrast-color interiors in the XLE Premium and Limited trims.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a robust hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, 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 an impressive 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 improved to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency also saw a boost, 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+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The TRD Off-Road model came with AWD, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. Multi-Terrain Select offered driving modes like Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Despite its off-road aspirations, the RAV4's ground clearance and approach angles were not significantly improved. The RAV4's engine required high revs for maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it sounded loud and unrefined. The eight-speed automatic transmission and the engine's reliability were notable strengths. The RAV4 TRD Off-Road achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 26.6 mpg.

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. The Sequoia's interior featured power-deploying running boards, a panoramic sunroof, and second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet. Folding the third row increased capacity to 49 cubic feet, and with the second row down, it offered 86.9 cubic feet. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility compared to its predecessor.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage solutions and rubberized controls. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. These figures were competitive for the segment.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 and a 14-inch display on higher trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services. The Intelligent Assistant responded to voice commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's tech suite included a digital rearview mirror and parking sensors with automatic braking.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 boasted the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect and Drive Connect were complimentary for one year. The system's digital voice assistant performed well, though it had some limitations. The RAV4 offered a JBL premium audio system and a digital rearview mirror, but the test vehicle lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included 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 with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 also featured TSS 2.5, but the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems performed adequately, though the latter struggled on curvy roads. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to lower ratings in recent crash tests, highlighting the need for an updated design.