2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia borrowed heavily from the Tundra pickup, sharing multiple design cues such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, strong fender creases, and muscular stances. The Capstone model, in particular, showcased more chrome brightwork than any other trim level in the range. Our tester came in Celestial Silver, offering a refined yet somewhat outdated "cop car" appearance. However, changing the color to something like Solar Octane orange or adding black accents transformed the Sequoia’s look into a playful "Tonka truck" feel.

Inside, the Sequoia mimicked the Tundra's blocky and geometric dashboard layout, accentuated with physical dials and buttons for volume and climate control. The shifter and steering wheel also carried the design elements from its truck siblings. Our Capstone model featured semi-aniline leather upholstery unique to this trim, while fabric seating was standard on the base SR5. The interior boasted a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims like Platinum and Capstone.

Comparatively, the 2024 Toyota Sienna exuded a distinctive, modern look with trims that ranged from LE to Platinum. The XSE trim, labeled as sporty, sported a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, maintaining the “swagger wagon” vibe. Colors like deep blue, red, and green added to its stylish allure. Upper trims featured Bi-LED projector headlamps adding a premium edge. The Woodland Edition, exclusive to Cement or Midnight Black Metallic, aimed for an off-road-ready look with roof rails and additional ground clearance.

Inside, the Sienna provided ample storage options, such as a pass-through compartment for bulkier items, multiple cup holders, and a shelf above the glovebox housing a wireless charging pad. Second-row captain’s chairs offered up to 40 inches of legroom and included ottomans in upper trims for luxurious comfort. However, the seats could not be removed, limiting maximum cargo capacity.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, available exclusively in hybrid format, used the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. It delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia achieved fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg combined with 4WD, up from 14 mpg previously.

For off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Pro model came exclusively with 4WD, offering a part-time system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, along with skid plates. The towing capacity for the Sequoia was robust, reaching a maximum of 9,520 pounds, up from 7,400 pounds in prior models. Buyers could enhance their towing experience with the optional Tow Technology Package and power-extending trailer tow mirrors.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sienna, equipped with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motors, offered 245 horsepower. While not designed for those seeking high-performance thrills, it provided a smooth, albeit slow, ride. The CVT, while offering seamless acceleration, lacked the power for quick highway merges or ascents. The Sienna’s sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode did little to invigorate the driving experience, making it feel sluggish.

However, the Sienna excelled in urban scenarios, offering smooth handling and excellent visibility. It featured various driving modes, including Eco and EV, suitable for city driving and slow-speed areas like parking lots. The brakes, though slightly grabby, were effective, and steering was light and responsive.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone provided automatic power-deploying running boards, available on the Platinum trim as well. With a total cargo space of 86.9 cubic feet when both second- and third-row seats were folded, it offered generous storage: 49 cubic feet behind the second row, and 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row depending on the seat position. Access to the third row was eased by folding the 60/40 split bench seats, although the seats, when folded, did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack placement.

Legroom measurements were as follows: 41.2 inches in the front row, 39.2 inches in the second row, and 28.1 to 33.7 inches in the third row. While it fell behind competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon in total cargo and seating space, the Sequoia still managed to provide a comfortable and spacious environment.

On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior function and cargo management. The pass-through storage in the lower front compartment proved useful for bulkier items, complemented by numerous cup holders and additional storage solutions. The second-row captain’s chairs, which offered an impressive 40 inches of legroom, increased passenger comfort but reduced cargo capacity since they couldn’t be removed.

With the third row folded, the Sienna provided 75 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the second row also folded. The rear liftgate, activated with a kick motion, revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, highlighting its practicality.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim, while other trims featured a larger 14-inch center touchscreen for accessing the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. Although the system’s aesthetics were minimalistic, with significant white spaces, it excelled in user-friendliness. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch full-color driver-information display, and a Panoramic View monitor. Higher trims like Platinum and Capstone boasted a 10-inch color head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna lagged behind with older infotainment technology, including a nine-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the system's slower performance and less impressive graphics, the inclusion of physical buttons for frequently used menus was a practical touch. The Sienna’s backup camera was poor, offering a grainy display inconsistent with modern expectations. However, the model included a Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system.

USB ports were plentiful, and the vehicle featured a 1500-watt inverter with 120-volt outlets in the second row and the rear cargo area. The Sienna missed out on the larger 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system and the 10-inch head-up display found in the Sequoia.

Safety was a top priority for the 2024 Toyota Sequoia, which came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite. This included essential features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, along with Trailer Merge Warning, extended the safety net for trailer towing. The Tow Technology Package added further aids like a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. However, the Sequoia had yet to be rated by the IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna also featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, providing lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, road sign recognition, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety.

NHTSA rated the 2024 Sienna with four out of five stars for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS awarded the Sienna the top "Good" rating in crashworthiness and seat belt and child restraint systems but rated it "Average" in front crash prevention.