Toyota’s suv showdown: sequoia vs. grand highlander – which one is right for you?
What To Know
- Inside the cabin, the Toyota Sequoia and Grand Highlander offer a range of features and technologies to enhance comfort and convenience.
- It comes equipped with an array of amenities, including heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and a large touchscreen infotainment display.
- The Grand Highlander, while smaller in size, offers a more modern and refined interior with premium materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.
In the realm of full-size SUVs, Toyota reigns supreme with two formidable contenders: the Toyota Sequoia and the Toyota Grand Highlander. Both vehicles offer exceptional capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced technology, but each has its unique strengths and distinctions. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Toyota Sequoia vs Toyota Grand Highlander to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Dimensions and Seating
The Toyota Sequoia is a true behemoth, boasting a massive frame that dwarfs the Grand Highlander. Its overall length measures 228.9 inches, while the Grand Highlander spans a more compact 200.4 inches. This size difference translates to a more spacious cabin for the Sequoia, with seating for up to eight passengers in three rows. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, provides seating for seven passengers in two rows, offering a more intimate and refined interior experience.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Toyota Sequoia flexes its muscles with a mighty 5.7-liter V8 engine that delivers a robust 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides ample muscle for hauling heavy loads and conquering rugged terrain. The Toyota Grand Highlander, however, adopts a more fuel-efficient approach with its hybrid powertrain. Combining a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, the Grand Highlander produces a combined 243 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. While not as potent as the Sequoia’s V8, the hybrid system offers improved fuel economy and smoother acceleration.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When it comes to towing and hauling, the Toyota Sequoia reigns supreme. Its brawny V8 engine enables it to tow up to 9,000 pounds, while its payload capacity reaches an impressive 1,500 pounds. These capabilities make the Sequoia an ideal companion for adventurers who frequently haul trailers, boats, or heavy equipment. The Toyota Grand Highlander, with its hybrid powertrain, offers more modest towing and payload capacities. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,320 pounds.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a crucial consideration for many buyers. The Toyota Sequoia’s large V8 engine translates to lower fuel efficiency compared to the Grand Highlander’s hybrid system. The Sequoia’s EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings stand at 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. In contrast, the Grand Highlander boasts impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside the cabin, the Toyota Sequoia and Grand Highlander offer a range of features and technologies to enhance comfort and convenience. The Sequoia features a spacious and well-appointed interior with ample headroom and legroom in all three rows. It comes equipped with an array of amenities, including heated and ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, and a large touchscreen infotainment display. The Grand Highlander, while smaller in size, offers a more modern and refined interior with premium materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. It also boasts a panoramic sunroof and a comprehensive suite of safety features.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Toyota Sequoia is renowned for its rugged off-road capabilities. It comes equipped with four-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and a crawl control system that enhances traction in challenging terrain. The Grand Highlander, on the other hand, is more suited for paved roads and light off-road adventures. It features all-wheel drive but lacks the advanced off-road features of the Sequoia.
Price and Value
The Toyota Sequoia and Grand Highlander come with different price tags that reflect their respective capabilities and features. The Sequoia starts at a higher price point due to its larger size, powerful V8 engine, and robust off-road capabilities. The Grand Highlander, with its hybrid powertrain and more compact dimensions, has a lower entry price. When considering value, both vehicles offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability.
Which Toyota SUV is Right for You?
The Toyota Sequoia and Grand Highlander are both excellent choices in the full-size SUV segment, but each caters to different needs and preferences. If you prioritize towing capacity, off-road performance, and maximum passenger space, the Toyota Sequoia is the ideal choice. However, if fuel efficiency, a more modern interior, and a lower price point are your top priorities, the Toyota Grand Highlander is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Toyota SUV has a higher towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Sequoia has a higher towing capacity of 9,000 pounds compared to the Grand Highlander‘s 5,000 pounds.
Q: Which Toyota SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Toyota Grand Highlander is more fuel-efficient with EPA-estimated ratings of 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Sequoia’s 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which Toyota SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Sequoia has a more spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers in three rows, while the Grand Highlander provides seating for seven passengers in two rows.