Toyota Sequoia vs. Highlander: Which One’s Best for Me?

Whether you are a faithful Toyota customer or considering buying your first one, both of these SUVs are incredible options. However, while they are both great, a few significant differences separate them. If money isn’t a factor and you’re looking for a high-performing full-size SUV, the all-new Sequoia might catch your eye. It’s built on the Tundra platform and is designed for big families that get out and need something that can work hard.

However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option but still want an SUV, the Highlander is one of the most popular SUVs in its category. You still have seating for eight and AWD. Plus, with a smaller engine, you get significantly better fuel economy. Below, we’ll discuss the key features of both SUVs. Then, we’ll compare them head-to-head in four categories: performance, price, fuel economy, and technology.

At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each product.

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Overview of Sequoia

For the 2022 Sequoia, Toyota succumbed to supply issues and had inventory shortages. However, they’re coming in strong for their 2023 models, which will be available this summer. This Sequoia has been redesigned to give faithful Toyota owners something new to drive.

With new sleek lines, the new-to-the-Sequoia i-FORCE MAX powertrain will take you anywhere you want to go. Everything on this SUV has been redesigned to make it worthy of that “new SUV” title.

Performance

This year, the Sequoia is getting a suspension upgrade. They now feature an independent front suspension and a new rack-mounted power steering system. In addition, this SUV has a multi-link suspension with an air suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension in the rear. All these improvements come together to increase handling and towing capabilities.

Originally on the Toyota Tundra, the i-FORCE MAX engine and hybrid powertrain pump out an impressive 437 horsepower. It’s available in all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) in the lower trim levels, but the TRD Pro trim is AWD only.

With the new handling and power improvements that the Sequoia has this year, it’s no wonder the towing capabilities have increased to an impressive 9,000 pounds. That is almost a 22% increase over the previous generation. The SUV also has an integrated trailer brake controller.

Interior

Luxury and comfort were top-of-mind when Toyota went to the drawing board for this redesign. They wanted to build an SUV that could work hard, look great, and be comfortable for the whole family. The Sequoia features an exclusive 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 even upgrade to heated and cooled second and third-row seating for their comfort.

In addition to the sliding third row, the cargo area includes an Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. So, whether you lay the third row down or not, you’ll have ample storage options to fit your needs. If that isn’t enough luxury in the interior, you can also get genuine leather seats or a full-length moonroof.

Technology and Safety

Another component that the Sequoia borrowed from the Tundra is its infotainment system. You get either an 8-inch screen or you can upgrade to a 14-inch touchscreen. Or, if you’d rather keep your hands on the wheel, just say, “Hey, Toyota,” and you can use voice control on the infotainment system.

In addition to the industry standards of Apple Carplay and Android Auto, you can link Apple Music or Amazon Music through integrated streaming your Sequoia offers. Plus, if you want a 4G Wi-Fi connection in the SUV, you can add it for an extra monthly subscription. We wouldn’t be talking about Toyota if we didn’t talk about the safety features.

In addition to having all the standard Toyota safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert, the new Sequoia also includes the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS). Features included with TSS are a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and automatic high beams. All these advanced features are designed to improve the safety of the SUV’s occupants and pedestrians.

Overview of Highlander

There may not be a lot of changes this year for the Highlander, but it remains one of the top picks in the industry for a mid-size SUV. The only significant change to the Highlander line is the addition of the Bronze Edition hybrid. Another minor change is the XLE and up trims now come standard with an adjustable passenger seat.

Performance

If you’re looking for a solid-performing engine, the 295-horsepower engine in the Highlander will put a smile on your face. In addition to having all the power needed to make a clean pass on the highway, it manages to have reasonable fuel mileage, especially if you compare how much power it has.

FWD is the standard drivetrain option. However, if you want the AWD, it’s an available upgrade for all trim levels. If you plan to use the Highlander’s 5,000-pound towing capacity, the AWD is worth the upgrade.

Toyota is one of the leaders in hybrid engine technology. Their Highlander Hybrids are no exception, and if fuel economy is a factor in your purchase decision, they are worth checking out. You still have the option of FWD and AWD in addition to a still impressive 243-horsepower between the 2.5-liter engine and dual electric motors.

Interior

All Highlander trim levels offer second and third-row seating for up to eight people. If you’d prefer captain’s chairs for the second row, it drops to seating for seven but adds comfort for your passengers.

Toyota went all-out with the Highlander’s interior design; it’s even comparable to similar SUVs in the luxury Lexus brand. Many comfort options, such as heated second-row or leather seats, are available.

It’s worth mentioning that one place the Highlander falls short is in cargo space, however. If you add the captain’s chairs, you gain a little bit, but overall, the Highlander doesn’t boast any extra space for its size. The cargo area behind the third row will only fit four carry-on-sized suitcases when loaded.

Technology and Safety

For the infotainment system, most Highlander models come with an 8-inch screen. If you want the 12.3-inch touchscreen display, you’ll have to upgrade to either of the two top trim options.

Another decent upgrade available is the 11-speaker JBL sound system. The standard one is still good if you’re not looking for the best sound system. Whichever you decide to go with, you’ll have the standard options of Android Auto, Alexa integration, Apple Carplay, and XM radio.

Throughout the years, Toyota has shown us its commitment to safety. Each trim level comes standard with many 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 safety rating possible.

How do These Two SUVs Compare?

The Sequoia and Highlander are in separate categories as far as size is concerned. There are still critical comparison points that determine whether either is the right fit for you.

Performance

Edge: Sequoia

The Sequoia takes the win for performance without competition. With almost twice the horsepower and towing capacity, the Sequoia is an obvious choice if you’re looking for a high-performing SUV.

Price

Edge: Highlander

What the Highlander lacks in performance, it makes up in affordability. It starts over $15,000 cheaper than the Sequoia, which is a significant price difference, especially if you aren’t going to use the Sequoia’s performance to its potential.

Fuel Economy

Edge: Highlander

Another win for the Highlander that is tied to performance is fuel economy. If the power isn’t necessary, you’ll have significant savings in fuel with the Highlander. And if you choose one of the Hybrid Highlanders, the difference is even greater between the Highlander and Sequoia.

Technology

Edge: Sequoia

Both models share a lot of technology. However, the Sequoia takes a significant lead over the Highlander based on the extra safety features it includes with the TSS. Also, the Sequoia has bigger touchscreen options, and you can get Wi-Fi.

What Other Users Say

It’s one thing to read a well-written review praising two SUVs, but it’s another to hear it from people like you who have purchased and driven the vehicles. We’ve scoured various online review websites such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to give you real-world experiences.

Remember that the Sequoia reviews are from 2022 models, and many of their features are improved with the forthcoming 2023 redesign.

Conclusion

As you can notice, if you’re after power and capability, the Sequoia is the clear option. Its advanced features and incredible towing will take you everywhere you want to go without in comfort. Alternatively, if budget and fuel economy are bigger factors in your decision, the Highlander is still one of the best options in the category. Even with this massive price and power difference, you’re not sacrificing the quality and dependability that makes Toyota famous.

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Featured Image Credit: (Left) 2023 Toyota Sequoia | Image Credit: Blueck, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0; (Right) 2020 Toyota Highlander LE AWD | Image Credit: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 4.0