Toyota offers an impressive SUV lineup. This includes the full-size Sequoia and the midsize Highlander. The Sequoia is greatly improved with its redesign for the 2023 model year. If you’d like to find out the differences between the two Toyota SUV models, then take a look at this 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander comparison.

2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2022 Honda Pilot head-to-head comparison, we evaluated several different areas for the two SUVs. This includes performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price.

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Performance and efficiency

All 2023 Sequoia models feature an iForce MAX hybrid system, which produces a total system output of 437 hp. In comparison, the 2022 Highlander offers two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine (295 hp) and a hybrid powertrain (243 hp).

While the Sequoia generates more power, the Highlander, with its smaller size and shorter turning radius, is more maneuverable. Also, the Highlander is renowned for its smooth ride and on-road driving dynamics. 

On the efficiency front, the gas-powered Highlander has a fuel economy of up to 21 city/29 highway mpg, and the Highlander Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 36 city/35 highway mpg. 

The fuel efficiency estimates are not yet available for the 2023 Sequoia, but the 2022 Sequoia has an estimated fuel economy of up to 13 city/17 highway mpg. Given the upgrade to a hybrid powertrain for the Sequoia, the fuel economy will undoubtedly improve for the 2023 model year. However, it’s unlikely that the 2023 Sequoia will be as efficient as the 2022 Highlander. 

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Off-road capabilities and towing

The Sequoia has the advantage for off-road capabilities. While Toyota didn’t yet release the ground clearance number for the 2023 Sequoia, it will likely be similar to the 10.0 inches of ground clearance for the 2022 Sequoia. Also, unlike the 2022 Highlander, the 2023 Sequoia offers an off-road-focused model with the Sequoia TRD Pro trim.

If you have serious towing needs, then you’ll want to buy the Sequoia. It has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds. In comparison, the gas-powered Highlander has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and the Highlander Hybrid can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Safety

The Sequoia and Highlander are both strong on the safety front. Notable safety and driving assistance features for both SUVs include a pre-collision system, brake assist, dynamic radar cruise control, cross-traffic alert, and a blind-spot monitoring system.

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Cargo space

As the bigger SUV, the Sequoia offers more storage space than the Highlander. While official cargo specs of the 2023 Sequoia are not yet available, they will probably be similar to the 2022 Sequoia. The 2022 Sequoia has a maximum cargo capacity of 120.1 cu-ft, compared to 84.3 for the 2022 Highlander.

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Interior features and technologies

The Sequoia and Highlander offer a similar array of interior features and technologies. This includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a head-up display, a multi-zone climate control system, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof/moonroof. However, unlike the Highlander, the Sequoia offers a rear-seat entertainment system. 

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Warranty coverage

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

Sequoia vs. Highlander: Price

Which Toyota SUV costs more: the 2023 Sequoia or the 2022 Highlander? The starting prices of the 2022 Highlander range from $35,205 MSRP for the L trim up to $47,560 MSRP for the Platinum trim. The official pricing information is not yet available for the 2023 Sequoia. However, the 2023 Sequoia is expected to cost around $50,000 for the base-level SR5 trim and $70,000 for the range-topping Capstone trim.

2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander: Which Toyota SUV is better?

In our 2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander comparison, each Toyota SUV has different advantages. For the 2023 Sequoia, advantages include performance output, off-road capabilities, towing, cargo space, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Highlander include maneuverability, on-road driving dynamics, efficiency, and price.