2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a striking presence on the road, blending the bold aesthetics of the Toyota Tundra with a newly designed SUV body. Its traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct look, setting it apart from the Tundra's more unconventional design. Inside, the Sequoia shared many 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 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 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a familiar design, reminiscent of its predecessors. The Forester's appearance was functional, with a boxy shape and practical features like robust roof rails. The Touring trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. Inside, the Forester offered a mix of traditional Subaru design elements, including analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior was practical, with hard plastics for easy cleaning and a straightforward control layout. The Forester's design prioritized functionality over style, making it a reliable choice for those seeking practicality. The lineup ranged from the Base trim at $26,395 to the Touring trim at $37,720, offering a variety of features and options for different preferences.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing its towing and payload capacities compared to the previous model. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency also 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+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport mode for improved responsiveness. The Forester's X-Mode off-road traction management system provided additional capability, with various driving modes for different conditions. During testing, the Forester handled challenging weather conditions with ease, showcasing its confidence-inspiring performance. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, with light and accurate steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable and quiet cabin with features like soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with comfortable front seats and a wide, padded door panel shelf for added comfort. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited thigh support and legroom. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, offering 11.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat in place and 86.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The adjustable cargo shelf provided some flexibility, but the overall cargo space was smaller than its competitors.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and straightforward interior. The Forester's cabin featured a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated front seats in the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional features like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's visibility was excellent, thanks to its tall glass and thin windshield pillars. The cargo area was well-designed, with 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Forester's interior storage was plentiful, with various pockets and compartments for convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen in the base SR5 trim and a 14-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. The Capstone trim added a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with voice recognition.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Base trim, with an 8-inch display available in higher trims. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with satellite radio and Starlink connected services. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs and buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, often misinterpreting commands. The Forester's technology was practical and user-friendly, despite its limitations.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's safety features were comprehensive and effective.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. The system included features like automatic emergency steering, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Forester's safety features were effective, though the rear automatic braking system could be overly sensitive. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received high crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.