2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2023 Volvo XC60 presented a sophisticated and stylish appearance, with its sleek design and attention to detail. The test vehicle, a Recharge spec with the Ultimate package, showcased a Dark exterior theme complemented by Thunder Grey paint and blacked-out trim. The interior exuded classic Scandinavian minimalism, featuring black leather seats, wood trim, metal accents, and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added a touch of opulence. Despite the aging design theme, the XC60 maintained its elegance, offering a comfortable and luxurious cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, with its Celestial Silver color and chrome accents, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." However, a change to a more vibrant color like Solar Octane orange transformed its look to a playful "Tonka truck" vibe. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, offering a premium feel, while the spacious interior accommodated passengers comfortably, albeit with some compromises in third-row legroom due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This setup allowed for an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range before switching to hybrid mode. The XC60 offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, Pure, Off-road, and Constant AWD, accessible through a 9-inch touchscreen. In Pure mode, the vehicle achieved 38.3 miles on electricity alone, while Power mode enhanced performance and handling. The XC60's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it averaged 54.6 mpg on a 65-mile evaluation route.

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 marked a significant improvement over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road capabilities with a part-time 4WD system, skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and the TRD Off-Road package added adventure-ready features for those seeking off-road experiences.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, a compact crossover SUV, excelled in providing comfort for four passengers, with the option to accommodate five. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions for enhanced thigh support. The back seats, while comfortable, had limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60 featured a power liftgate, revealing 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Practical storage solutions included door panel bins and a glovebox, while the air suspension facilitated easier loading of heavy items.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim came equipped with automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. The Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, compromised headroom and legroom. Second-row captain's chairs replaced the bench seat in higher trims, providing ample width but lacking bolstering. The Sequoia's interior dimensions placed it behind rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in terms of legroom, but it surpassed the Jeep Wagoneer in front-row legroom.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, operated via steering wheel controls. The 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system offered access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's intuitive interface and voice-recognition capabilities impressed, allowing for seamless navigation and music streaming. The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality, though the Harman Kardon system included in the Ultimate package sufficed for most users.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch center touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system prioritized functionality over flashy design, ensuring ease of use. The Sequoia's driver-information display featured a 12.3-inch full-color screen, while the Panoramic View monitor aided in maneuvering the large vehicle. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, standard on higher trims, provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, came equipped with Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The system excelled on highways, maintaining smooth and accurate performance. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the XC60 Recharge had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 mild-hybrids received top marks. The IIHS awarded the 2023 XC60 B5 and B6 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with potential updates for 2023.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with Trailer Merge Warning extended the monitored area when towing. The Tow Technology Package, available on lower trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. As of this writing, the Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.