2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and a muscular stance. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated look. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its vibe to a more playful "Tonka truck" aesthetic. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, complete with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a range of seating materials. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across all trims and featured a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to distinguish itself from a typical car with its excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding, though it maintained an overall appealing design with short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, with clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and artistic dual-zone climate controls. The CX-30 offered eight versions, with the 2.5 S models featuring a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo models delivering up to 250 hp. Prices ranged from $24,995 to $36,800, plus a destination charge. The test model, a 2.5 Carbon Turbo, sported a unique Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior, with an MSRP of $34,210, including destination.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available as a hybrid, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, which combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor by 56 hp and 182 lb-ft. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD, a significant increase from the previous 14 mpg. The TRD Pro trim came with 4WD and off-road features, while other trims offered 4WD as an option. The Sequoia's 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and its towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds. The TRD Off-Road package added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and off-road suspension, enhancing its adventure-readiness.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the CX-30's acceleration was gradual, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard AWD system distributed power effectively. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 21.3 mpg compared to the EPA's 25 mpg estimate. The CX-30's small fuel tank limited its range to around 270 miles. The vehicle offered a fun driving experience, with nimble handling and excellent visibility. While not performance-tuned, it tackled back roads with enthusiasm and competence, aided by its AWD system and off-road traction assist setting.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, it provided 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor when folded, affecting headroom and legroom. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs were wide but lacked bolstering, and legroom varied across rows, with the front row offering the most space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured deft design, quality materials, and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. Gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching added contrast, while the Terracotta leather seats with simulated Black suede inserts provided a splash of color. The interior was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort and ease of entry. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, with flexibility to adjust the load floor for additional storage. Folding the back seat down increased cargo volume to 45.2 cubic feet, comparable to other small SUVs.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness. The Sequoia featured a full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display and a Panoramic View monitor as standard. A 10-inch color head-up display was available on higher trims, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was standard on Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbocharged versions received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display, replacing the standard 8.8-inch screen. This larger system offered touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. However, the screen's placement was far from the driver and front passenger. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction involved static displays and a combination of controls, but the lack of natural voice recognition limited its effectiveness. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with in-vehicle Wi-Fi available after a trial period. New USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger were added, along with a Bose premium audio system on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Trailer Merge Warning were also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on certain trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 emphasized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a rear-seat alert system. These joined existing features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a Cruising and Traffic Support system. The CX-30 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.