2023 Toyota Sequoia vs. Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer: Full-Size SUV On-Paper Comparison

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia marks a fresh start for the automaker’s flagship three-row SUV, which had aged for well over a decade before finally receiving a complete redesign. The Sequoia’s V-8 is gone, replaced by a turbocharged, hybridized V-6 promising greater efficiency along with simulated engine sounds—which are almost V-8-like—piped into the modernized interior to make up for the loss.

Having now driven and tested the Sequoia, how do its new looks, new powertrain, and new platform stack up in the highly competitive full-size, three-row SUV segment? We’re pitting it against four opponents—on paper, at least: the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2022 Ford Expedition, 2023 Nissan Armada, and 2023 Jeep Wagoneer.

The previous-generation Toyota Sequoia wasn’t offensively ugly, but it was a safe design—and one that stayed bland for 14 years. For 2023, the Sequoia’s massive front grille and chiseled headlights scream “heavy duty truck,” which is fitting considering that it is based on the Toyota TNGA-F platform also used by the Toyota Tundra pickup. Despite this newer platform regressing from an independent rear suspension to a live rear axle, it somehow works to deliver a nicer ride quality than before.

Introducing new full-size SUV designs more than once in 14 years, Toyota’s competitors have done a much better job keeping their rigs from growing stale. The Chevy Tahoe is a good example, and was all-new for 2021 (and 2015 before that, and 2005 before that). Its exterior wisely avoids the cliché of feigning a “rugged” look with an abundance of plastic cladding. Instead, the SUV has a much leaner design with nearly every panel color matched. A new accessory grille can visually switch things up between trims. Sitting on GM’s T1 platform means the ’23 Tahoe has the benefit of an independent rear suspension and increased chassis rigidity over the previous K2 platform. It also has a lower load floor due to the differential housing being bolted to the chassis rather than on the live axle.

Next, we have the 2022 Ford Expedition which is one of the longest-running nameplates in this comparison. The 2022 model is built on the same Ford T3 platform the automaker has used for several years now for the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. Despite the Expedition’s size, we’ve found that its handling is so refined it feels like driving a car-based crossover. We are also fans of its smooth and quiet ride.

When it comes to the 2023 Nissan Armada, not much has changed on the outside since its refresh in 2021—a refresh that really moved the Armada’s styling closer to its Infiniti cousin. In fact, the 2023 Armada is just a front fascia swap away from becoming an Infiniti QX80. On the road, the we found the Armada’s handling and ride quality leaned heavily toward comfort—which can be good or bad depending on the use case. Either way, Nissan’s Y62 chassis may not be long for this world as any of platforms that can’t be adapted for the automaker’s new EV-oriented strategy may be retired.

Even though Jeep insists the 2023 Wagoneer lives under a new brand (Wagoneer!), most will associate it with the Jeep SUV brand. It shows up on Jeep’s website, is sold in Jeep stores, and even wears Jeep-y styling and the brand’s iconic seven-slat grille. Its performance may not be chart-topping but the Wagoneer makes up for that in other areas. A new Ram-based body-on-frame architecture with a fully independent suspension gives the Wagoneer stellar handling, ride quality, and steering feel. It gets even better if buyers opt for the air suspension. It’s a big, comfortable, family carrier and it drives like one.

Just about every SUV in this comparison has somewhere in the neighborhood of 400 hp underhood, but each one gets there in different ways. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is the most powerful SUV here with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft from a hybridized 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired with an electric motor. As you might imagine, the hybrid V-6 is significantly more fuel efficient than the V-8 it had previously. In fact the new powerplant gets better city fuel economy than the V-8 achieved on the highway. Yet, the smaller engine doesn’t leave the Sequoia feeling like something’s missing. The electric motor seemingly fills in any torque gap that may have existed otherwise. Senior editor Aaron Gold described it saying, “It feels like a V-8 with something more to it—as if there’s an invisible force pushing the vehicle along.”

The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe base model keeps things traditional with a 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8. We find the base engine to be “capable” with a max towing capacity of 8,400 pounds, though fuel economy isn’t stellar out of the box. The base V-8 can only provide 15 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway. Those looking to maximize fuel economy can pay extra for the V-6 turbodiesel engine but will trade off some towing capacity. Fuel economy aside, the smooth 10-speed transmission is a highlight.

The 2022 Ford Expedition is the only other SUV in this comparison that comes equipped with a turbocharged V-6. However, unlike the Sequoia, the Expedition does not have the aid of an electric motor and relies on boost alone for extra power, holding its fuel efficiency numbers behind those of the Sequoia. Even so, it still manages to beat every other SUV on this list in miles per gallon while delivering a respectable 380 hp and 470 lb-ft and an impressive 9,300-pound towing capacity. Though if that isn’t enough power the highest Expedition trim boasts 440 hp and 510 lb-ft.

A dated engine keeps the 2023 Nissan Armada’s powertrain from being standout. It has the second-largest engine displacement and the worst fuel economy in this comparison. With a scant 14 miles per gallon in city driving, the Nissan Armada would generate a fairly costly fuel bill for anyone using it as a daily commuter. On the plus side, the Armada has a decent 8,500-pound towing capacity.

The 5.7-liter V-8 “eTorque” engine found in the 2023 Wagoneer is a bit slow getting the full-size SUV to 60 mph, and generally speaking it’s not an overly impressive powerplant. On the bright side the 5.7-liter does have a 10,000 pound towing capacity, which is nothing to scoff at, and you can upgrade to a new twin-turbo 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline-6 on the Wagoneer Series II. It offers significantly higher performance and gets the three-row SUV to 60 mph 2.0 seconds quicker than the thirstier 5.7-liter V-8.

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Dimensionally, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is technically the smallest SUV in this comparison, which could come in handy in urban parking situations. It is over six inches shorter than the massive 2023 Wagoneer in length and is the narrowest in the group at 79.6 inches. The 2023 Nissan Armada is just a hair larger than the Sequoia in length, width, and height. The Wagoneer is by far the largest of the large with a whopping 214.7-inch length and a 123-inch wheelbase and that is where it starts; there is a long wheelbase Wagoneer L trim that would dwarf all the SUVs here. The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe seems to sit in the sweet spot in all dimensions and even has a shorter wheelbase than the Sequoia, though, like the Jeep, it’s available in longer form, albeit with the Suburban name instead of Tahoe.

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When it comes to passenger space, the numbers reveal a bit of a shock. Despite the 2023 Wagoneer having the largest exterior dimensions, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe actually exceeds it in first row legroom, headroom, and nearly equals it in shoulder room. Second and third row space is where the Wagoneer pulls ahead of this pack, though. The 2023 Sequoia is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to passenger space, with less headroom in the first and second rows than the other challengers, but more first row shoulder room than the Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. The Sequoia also has slightly more first row legroom than the Wagoneer which is arguably the largest competitor. Toyota’s entry comes up short in third-row legroom and headroom against the other SUVs but once more beats the Expedition and Armada in third row shoulder room.

Going by the numbers we have, the Wagoneer takes the win for most passenger volume in cubic feet with 179.2. The Ford Expedition is the runner up and the Tahoe is third highest. Though, we think it is safe to say that if passenger space and comfort is a top priority, the Tahoe and Wagoneer are your best bets. Even though we think the Armada is fairly comfortable, it has the smallest passenger volume in this comparison.

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The 2023 Toyota Sequoia benefits from a completely new cabin that is well equipped from the jump. Heated front seats, three-zone climate control, and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all standard equipment. Buyers who spring for the top of the line Capstone trim will obviously get more goodies including a larger 14-inch infotainment screen—which is an available option for the SR5. The polygonal motif found throughout the Sequoia’s interior conveys a modern and somewhat rugged vibe, though the material quality throughout is merely so-so.

Chevrolet Tahoe buyers will have to spend a little more if they want their SUV as nicely equipped as the Sequoia. The Tahoe does come with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto—however, heated seats aren’t an option unless springing for the more expensive LT trim. In fact the LT has a lot of great features as standard equipment. We only wish the base LS got a few more of those goodies. We would have liked to see wireless smartphone charging come standard on the base since it supports other wireless audio features.

The Ford is certainly not lacking in standard interior features. A 12.0-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4 software is standard equipment. SYNC features the obligatory Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with a crop of other features. A 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that can support up to 10 devices is on board to keep passengers connected but will require a fee after the first three months of use. Unfortunately, heated seats are nowhere to be found on the base trim, but a 10-way power adjustable driver seat and leather wrapped steering wheel are nice touches.

The 2023 Nissan Armada’s cabin comes with a few “nice to have” standard features that are much appreciated such as a power tilt and telescoping steering column, and an 8-way power adjustable  passenger seat along with the 10-way power driver seat. Like the Expedition, the Armada comes with a 12.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the usual smartphone connectivity. Though, a sticking point is that only Apple CarPlay is wireless while it seems that Android phones will need to be plugged in for Android Auto features to work. That’s more than a little annoying to those who prefer Android phones over iOS.

As you might imagine, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer has the best appointed cabin among all the others in the comparison. Heated front seats, 10-speaker audio system, Capri leather upholstery, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, and Wi-Fi hotspot are all standard equipment. There are several luxury options available for those with the coin to spend on it but the Wagoneer certainly doesn’t come up short even in base trim. If you’re looking to get as much luxury and tech out of the box as possible then the Wagoneer is the way to go.

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about horsepower, torque, and interior measurements, but arguably the most important number for any of these SUVs is going to be the one on their window sticker with the “$” in front of it. Do the features offered up by each of these vehicles match up well to their respective MSRPs? Well, all of the competitors come with a pretty decent suite of features out of the box. They all have infotainment systems that are centered around sizable touchscreens. Most modern driving assistance features like blind spot monitoring, cross traffic detection, and parking cameras are standard across the board as well.

Which model provides the most bang for the buck when it comes to fuel economy, passenger space, and standard features versus price? Obviously, buyers will get the most (literally) with the 2023 Wagoneer, but it also has one of the highest prices. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia takes the top spot for highest price but the gap between it and the Wagoneer is less than $1,000. However, if luxury is a primary concern, the Wagoneer may be a better buy than the Toyota.

On the other hand, despite the Toyota Sequoia having the highest price tag, it also easily has the best fuel economy thanks to its hybrid powertrain. That fuel efficiency could boost its value eventually when considering money saved at the pump

What about all around value? Based on the horsepower, efficiency, passenger space, cargo space, and features it appears to us that the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and the 2022 Ford Expedition are nearly tied for value. However, considering the Expedition’s higher horsepower, towing capacity, space, and fuel mileage it edges out the Tahoe as the best value for those looking for an all around, value full-size SUV. The Tahoe doesn’t seem to hit its sweet spot until upgrading to the LT trim. Even then, the Tahoe still doesn’t include the Super Cruise feature until jumping all he way up to the Premier trim.

Where does this leave the Toyota Sequoia on paper? Though pricey and smaller than its primary competitors, it does have an incredible powertrain, good looks, and interior functionality. However, if you’re not looking to spend more than $55,000 on a full-size SUV for family transport, then you may be better served checking out the Tahoe or Expedition.