2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design elements. The Sequoia featured hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance, all reminiscent of the Tundra. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance. The Capstone model, with its chrome accents and Celestial Silver paint, appeared somewhat dated, evoking a "cop car" vibe. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its look to a more playful "Tonka truck" aesthetic. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's interior design, with a blocky, geometric dashboard layout, physical dials, and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered fabric, SofTex, or leather seating options. 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 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants, exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some materials reflected its competitive pricing. The interior's ergonomics had room for improvement, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs. Its ride and handling were impressive, though drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during engine start-up. The CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, providing a dynamic driving experience, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant ride.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant increase of 56 hp and 182 lb-ft over the previous V8 model. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD, compared to 14 mpg previously. The TRD Pro trim was available only with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with selectable 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD modes. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the Sequoia's on-road handling was adequate for its class. The TRD Off-Road package, available on select trims, added off-road features like all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and Bilstein shocks. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an option for 340 hp using premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. However, real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same 25 mpg combined. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The vehicle's suspension was firm and communicative, but the 21-inch wheels contributed to a less compliant ride.

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, depending on seat position. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they didn't create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom was reduced by nearly 3 inches, with 39.2 inches up front, 37.5-38.4 inches in the middle, and 35.6 inches in the back. Legroom ranged from 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 41.2 inches in the first row. Second-row captain's chairs were available in higher trims, offering width but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite a cool summer, struggled to maintain a comfortable temperature, suggesting the three-zone climate control system was inadequate. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front-seat ventilation was as ineffective as the air conditioning. Once cooled, the eight-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable for long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The CX-90's long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone 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 flashy design. The driver-information display was a full-color 12.3-inch unit, standard across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was also standard, aiding in maneuvering the large vehicle. A 10-inch color head-up display was standard on Capstone and available on Platinum trims. The 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring knob and button controls. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, and a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, providing a rewarding listening experience. The Active Driving Display, a head-up display, offered helpful data, and the blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, including 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 and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on SR5 and Limited trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The 2024 Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV variant. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings. The CX-90's driver aids were generally effective, though the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.