The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, a three-row full-size SUV, shares many components with the 2022 Tundra pickup, available in SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trim levels with prices starting around $50,000. The three-row SUV, Sequoia, enters its third generation this week by introducing the 2023 model. The new Sequoia, based on the same body-on-frame platform as the Toyota Tundra and Land Cruiser, hits the road with a bold new look, hybrid power, and a new, luxurious Capstone trim level, the top model in the lineup. The Ford Explorer will continue to be one of the most popular midsize 3-row SUVs in 2023, with a wide range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid and the versatility that comes with seating for up to seven people. In addition, the 2023 Ford Explorer shall get a few new features, including Ford's BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, as well as slightly tweaked styling.
Sequoia Vs Explorer: The Bold Boxy Designs
Toyota is modernizing its old body-on-frame packages with cutting-edge technology. Like the new Tundra, the Sequoia is built on Toyota's TNGA-F platform, but it is shorter than the full-size pickup. The Sequoia has a solid rear axle instead of the previous generation's independent setup. Rear air springs and adaptive dampers are available too. The TRD Pro model features 2.5-inch Fox dampers with internal bypass chambers and remote reservoirs, as well as 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires.
The exterior styling of the new Sequoia is aggressive, with an upright stance. The front end is based on the most recent Tundra. Although there is a prominent grille, the front styling of the various trim levels has different mesh patterns. The TRD Pro package, for example, has large, black hexagons, whereas the Capstone has smaller, chrome-plated openings. The headlights are Y-shaped. A prominent ridge above the wheel opening gives the fenders a muscular appearance. The rear glass partially wraps around to the side of the body, and the D-base pillar angles forward.
The new 2023 Explorer will have a fresh grille pattern that is almost honeycomb-styled and the most noticeable change. The Explorer's vents, headlights, and brake lights have all been redesigned for this model. The SUV will also have restyled vents on each side of the front bumper, a new wheel design, and, most importantly, a redesigned grille pattern.
Sequoia Vs Explorer: The Spacious Interiors
Whether buyers opt for the second-row bench or captain's chairs, Sequoia is available in both seven and six-seat configurations. The third row has a shelf system on the back and can slide fore and aft up to 6.0 inches for easier cargo stacking. Five trim levels are available for the Sequoia: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of technology is standard on all of them, as well as heated seats, a moonroof, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic-view camera system.
The SR5 Premium has a 14.0-inch infotainment display, which is larger than the standard SR5 trim's 8.0-inch display. There's also a power-folding third-row seat, a hands-free tailgate, and 120-volt power outlets in the cabin and cargo area. The Platinum adds heated and ventilated second-row captain's chairs, a 14-speaker stereo, a panoramic moonroof, a head-up display, Qi wireless charging, and rain-sensing wipers to the Limited. LED lighting is also used in headlights and taillights.
In terms of internal dimensions, Ford is comparable to its direct competitors in the segment. The Explorer has more legroom in the first and third rows than any of its rivals. Cargo space behind the third and second rows is comparable to that of the Kia and Toyota, with the Explorer edging out the Telluride for the most maximum cargo space.
The significantly bigger display will be standard in 2023, and Ford may include the 15.5-inch screen that was recently launched in the Mustang Mach-E. In addition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Bluetooth playback will be standard in either case. There may also be a fully digital instrument cluster available.
Sequoia Vs Explorer: Power Under the Hoods
All versions of the 2023 Sequoia come with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 that Toyota brands as the i-Force Max. The engine makes 437 horsepower (326 kilowatts) and 583 pound-feet (790 Newton-meters) of torque, like in the Tundra. The only gearbox choice is a 10-speed automatic. Between the twin-turbo V-6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission is an electric motor powered by a 1.5-kWh nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.
The Explorer's engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission in all models. RWD is standard on all trims, with AWD available as an option. From what is known so far, the 2023 Ford Explorer will be available in five trim levels, namely, Base, XLT, ST-Line, Timberline, and Limited. The base version will have a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine that produces 300 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque, though not revealed by the company yet. This engine shall have an acceleration rate of 6.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 MPH. The Limited Hybrid and Platinum Hybrid model shall have a 3.3-liter V6 with a power output of 318 HP and 322 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the ST-line will have a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 365 HP and 380 lb-ft of torque.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia and 2023 Ford Explorer are highly capable and powerful SUVs. Both the automakers have a strong fanbase in the SUV segment, and hybrid engine options will only spark more curiosity in the buyers.