Whether you are a loyal Toyota customer or looking to buy your first SUV, both these SUVs make an incredible choice Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander . However, although they are both great, some key differences set them apart.
If money is not a factor and you are looking for a high-performance full-size SUV, then the all-new Sequoia might grab your attention. Built on the Tundra platform, the SUV is designed for large families that venture outdoors and need something that can do hard work.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option but still want an SUV, the Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander offers a small midsize that’s one of the most popular SUVs in its class. You still have seating for eight and AWD. Plus, with the smaller engine, you get better fuel economy.
Below we will take a look at some of the key features of both the SUVs. Then we’ll compare them in four categories: performance, price, fuel economy, and technology.
Table of Contents
Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander:- Which one is best for me?
At a Glance
Let’s look at the key points of each product.
Toyota Sequoia
- Starting MSRP: $50,500
- Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles
- Horsepower: 437
- Engine: i-FORCE MAX
- Towing Capability: 9000 pounds (lbs)
- Estimated mpg: Up to 13 city / 17 highway
- Seating capacity: 7–8
Toyota Highlander
- Starting MSRP: $35,405
- Warranty: 36 months / 36,000 miles
- Horsepower: 295
- Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
- Towing Capability: 5000lbs
- Estimated mpg: Up to 21 city / 29 highway
- Seating capacity: 8
Overview of Sequoia
For the 2022 model year Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander, Toyota faced supply problems and ran out of inventory. However, they are coming strong for their 2023 models, which will be available this summer. This Sequoia has been redesigned to give loyal Toyota owners something new to drive.
With new sleek lines, the new-to-Sequoia i-Force Max powertrain will take you anywhere you want to go. Everything has been redesigned to make this SUV worthy of that “new SUV” title.
Demonstration
The Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander is getting a suspension upgrade this year. They now included an independent front suspension and a new rack-mounted power steering system. Apart from this, the SUV has multi-link suspension with air suspension and adaptive variable suspension at the rear. All these improvements come together to enhance handling and towing capabilities.
Originally on the Toyota Tundra, the i-Force Max engine and hybrid powertrain pump out an impressive 437 horsepower. It is available in both all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) in the lower trim levels, but the TRD Pro trim is AWD only.
With new handling and power improvements to the Sequoia this year, it’s no surprise that towing capacity has been bumped up to an impressive 9,000 pounds. This is an increase of about 22% over the previous generation. The SUV comes with an integrated trailer brake controller, which is ready to take straight from the factory.
Inner part
Luxury and comfort were top of mind when Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander went to the drawing board for this redesign. They wanted to create an SUV that could drive tough, look great and be comfortable for the whole family. This is evident from the standard and available features.
The Sequoia has a special 6-inch sliding third row, so depending on whether you need more room for passengers or cargo, you have what you need. Speaking of passengers, you can also upgrade to heated and cooled seats in the second and third row for their added comfort.
In addition to the sliding third row, the cargo area also includes an adjustable cargo shelf system. So, whether you fold the third row or not, you’ll have ample storage options to suit your needs. If that’s not enough awesomeness in the interior, you can also get genuine leather seats or a full-length moonroof.
Technology and Security
For your infotainment system, most Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander models come with an 8-inch screen. If you want the available 12.3-inch touchscreen display, you’ll need to upgrade to either of the two top trim options.
Another cool upgrade that is available is the 11-speaker JBL sound system. If you are not looking for the best sound system, then the standard system is still good. Whichever you decide to go with, you’ll have standard options of Android Auto, Alexa integration, Apple CarPlay and XM Radio.
Over the years Toyota has shown us its commitment to safety. Each trim level comes standard with a number of Toyota’s safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning. Every year, the NHSTA gives the Highlander the highest possible safety rating.
How do these two SUVs compare?
While Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander are in different categories in terms of size. There are still some key comparison points that determine whether either of these is right for you.
Demonstration
Edge: Toyota Sequoia
Sequoia won the no-contest for the performance. If you’re looking for a high-performance SUV with nearly double the horsepower and pulling ability, the Sequoia is an obvious choice.
Price
Trim: Toyota Highlander
What the Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander lacks in performance it makes up for in affordability. It’s more than $15,000 cheaper than the Sequoia, which is a significant price difference, especially if you’re not going to use the Sequoia’s performance to its potential.
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Fuel Economy
Trim: Toyota Highlander
Another win for the Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander that ties into performance is fuel economy. If power isn’t essential, you’ll get significant fuel savings with the Highlander. And if you choose one of the hybrid Highlanders, the differences between the Highlander and the Sequoia are even greater.
Technology
Edge: Toyota Sequoia
Both the models share a lot of technology. However, the Sequoia takes a significant edge over the Highlander by virtue of the additional safety features included with the TSS. In addition, the Sequoia has larger touchscreen options available, and you can get Wi-Fi.
What Other Users Say
It’s one thing to read a well-written review praising the two SUVs, but it’s another to hear it from people like you who have bought and driven the vehicles. We’ve scoured various online review websites like Edmonds and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to give you some real world experience.
Remember that the Sequoia reviews are from the 2022 model, and many of these things have been improved with the upcoming 2023 redesign.
- Similar in feel to my old Tundra, but with the benefit of being a full-size SUV – Sequoia Review
- Ample interior space to fit the whole family – Sequoia Review
- Excellent towing capabilities for an SUV – Sequoia Review
- Fuel economy is not good, even by full-size SUV standards – Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander Review
- Upgraded from a Camry to the Highlander. Super happy with all the extra space. However, the third-row seating is a bit tight – Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander Review
- Nice smooth ride, great handling, and excellent fuel economy. We love our Highlander – Highlander Review
- Road noise is quite loud in the Highlander, especially on the highway. – Highlander Review
- Bought a Toyota Highlander, but it feels like I got a Lexus; very luxurious feeling – Highlander Review
Conclusion
As you can see, if you’re looking for power and capability, the Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander is the obvious choice. Its advanced features and incredible towing will take you everywhere you want to go in comfort.
However, if budget and fuel economy are big factors in your decision, the Toyota Sequoia VS Toyota Highlander is still one of the best options in the category. Despite such a huge difference in price and power, you’re not sacrificing the quality and dependability that makes Toyota famous.