If you’re drawn to the Toyota brand and want a family-friendly SUV, then check out the midsize Highlander and the full-size Sequoia. To help you understand the differences between the two SUVs, we created this 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2023 Toyota Highlander comparison.

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Toyota Sequoia: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Highlander offers two engine options: a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine (265 horsepower) and a hybrid engine (243 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Toyota Sequoia models have a hybrid engine (437 horsepower).

While the Sequoia generates more power, the Highlander is more efficient. The fully gas-powered Highlander has an estimated gas mileage of up to 25 combined mpg, and the Highlander Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 36 combined mpg. In comparison, the Sequoia has an estimated fuel economy of up to 22 combined mpg.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Towing

The Sequoia has the advantage for towing. It has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds, compared to 5,000 pounds for the gas-powered Highlander and 3,500 pounds for the Highlander Hybrid. 

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Off-road capabilities

If you want an SUV that can head off-road, then the Sequoia is the better choice for you. While the Highlander offers an available all-wheel drive system, the four-wheel drive system for the Sequoia is more suited for off-road use. 

Also, the Sequoia has higher ground clearance (up to 8.7 vs. 8.0 inches) than the Highlander for driving over rugged terrain. Furthermore, unlike the Highlander, the Sequoia has an off-road-focused model with the TRD Pro trim.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Safety

Both Toyota SUVs offer a similar roster of safety and driving assistance features. However, given its safety history, the Highlander has the advantage for safety. For the previous model year, the Highlander earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Sequoia didn’t receive any kind of safety award from IIHS.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Passenger and cargo space

The Sequoia is bigger than the Highlander, which results in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of up to 156 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 86.9 cu-ft. In comparison, the Highlander has a total passenger volume of up to 141.3 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 84.3 cu-ft.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Warranty coverage

The Highlander and Sequoia have similar warranty coverage, with the backing of a 3-year/36,00-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both SUVs have a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

Highlander vs. Sequoia: Price

Which Toyota SUV costs more: the 2023 Highlander or the 2023 Sequoia? The starting price of the 2023 Sequoia ranges from $58,300 MSRP for the SR5 trim up to $75,300 MSRP for the Capstone trim.

For the Highlander, the price information is not yet available for the 2022 model year. However, the 2023 Highlander will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Highlander. The starting price of the 2022 Highlander ranges from $35,855 MSRP for the L trim up to $49,510 MSRP for the Platinum Hybrid trim. Even with a slight price increase, the 2023 Highlander will cost less than the 2022 Sequoia.

2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Toyota Sequoia: Which SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Highlander vs. 2023 Toyota Sequoia comparison, each SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Highlander, advantages include gas mileage, safety, and a lower price. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Sequoia include performance, towing, off-road capabilities, and passenger and cargo space.