2025 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia introduced the 1794 Edition, named after the ranch year where its assembly plant stands. This edition built on the Sequoia Platinum with machined-finish 20-inch wheels, more chrome, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, open-pore American walnut wood trim, and all-weather floor mats. It joined a lineup that included the SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $62,425 to $83,915, plus the destination charge. The test vehicle featured the optional TRD Off-Road Package, a TRD front skid plate, a 10-inch color head-up display, and additional connected services, bringing the MSRP to $85,700, including the $1,945 destination charge. The Sequoia's Lunar Rock paint and black 20-inch TRD off-road wheels made it stand out, despite its rarity on the road. Inside, the Saddle Tan leather upholstery and walnut wood trim contrasted with the otherwise black interior, marked with a lone star symbol and "1794 Edition." However, the cabin was criticized for its typical Toyota-grade plastic, and the TRD Off-Road Package's red accents seemed out of place.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with the B6 model’s supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 32 miles of electric-only driving, with an average of 27 mpg in hybrid mode. In Power mode, the XC90 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds. Recharging the battery took about 12 hours with a standard outlet, or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, during testing, the XC90 fell short of its electric range and fuel economy estimates, achieving 28 miles of electric range and 24.5 mpg. The SUV's performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The XC90 was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and more cabin noise than expected for its price.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia featured an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, a 1.87-kilowatt-hour nickel metal hydride battery pack, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. It produced 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, with a part-time four-wheel-drive system standard on the 1794 Edition. The Sequoia offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Tow/Haul driving modes. Despite its 6,150-pound weight, the Sequoia was muscular, with quick acceleration and a strong engine note. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging 16.2 mpg compared to the EPA's 20 mpg estimate. The 1794 Edition had a maximum towing capacity of 9,010 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,410 pounds, with a Tow Tech Package available. The Sequoia's packaging and driving dynamics were compromised by the battery pack's rear placement and a solid rear axle, affecting rear-seat room and cargo space. The ride was jittery and truck-like, with excessive lateral weight transfer on curves. The Sequoia had 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but the front air dam limited its off-road capability. The Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires performed well on pavement, but the brakes lacked initial bite and were hard to modulate.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system with PM2.5 air purification. A panoramic glass roof with a one-touch swipe control added natural light to the interior. Higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats with massage, and more. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design could catch on clothing. Once adjusted, the XC90 provided exceptional comfort and a commanding driving position. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode on a hot day. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and tight third-row access. Interior storage was adequate, and with the third-row seat folded, the XC90 offered up to 65.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia accommodated up to eight people, with seven or six being more comfortable. The 1794 Edition's front seats offered 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage, with a heated steering wheel standard. Long rear doors facilitated access to the second and third rows, but they were a liability in cramped parking situations. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but lacked sliding and a console. The third row's high floor and low roof made entry and exit awkward for adults, and headroom was limited. With the third row in use, the Sequoia offered 11.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 49 cubic feet with the third row folded and 86.9 cubic feet with both rows down. These figures were less than rival full-size SUVs, and even Toyota's Grand Highlander offered more room.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. These features were complimentary for four years, with subscription payments required afterward. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with a three-month trial for SiriusXM. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was more intuitive than previous versions, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The digital voice assistant responded to "Hey Google" commands, though it sometimes required different prompts. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Five connected services plans were available, with trial subscriptions ranging from one to ten years. The Wi-Fi Connect plan offered a 30-day/3GB trial. Many advanced features depended on active subscriptions, including cloud-based navigation and safety features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad included. The 1794 Edition featured a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The dashboard had an oversized volume knob but lacked a tuning knob, which was frustrating. The Intelligent Assistant responded to "Hey Toyota" commands but had limitations. The Sequoia also included a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was synonymous with safety, earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in every assessment except rollover resistance, where it received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. However, the XC90's advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. It included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, but it struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. TSS 2.5 provided essential safety features without extras, but the lane assist features could be aggravating. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia at the time of publication.