Highlander vs. Sequoia: Your Guide to Choosing in Amherst Premier Toyota of Amherst

Choosing the right SUV for your Amherst lifestyle means balancing space, power, and efficiency. For those torn between the Toyota Highlander and the Toyota Sequoia, let’s dive into what sets these two apart. Whether you're planning a family trip to Maude Neiding Park or need a reliable vehicle for your daily commute, we've got the scoop to help you decide.

Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota Sequoia: Family Size and Comfort

Toyota Highlander: The Versatile Family SUV

The Highlander is a hit among families for its comfortable seating for up to eight passengers, making it a go-to for school runs, groceries, and everything in between. Its cabin offers ample legroom and a suite of tech features to keep everyone entertained and connected on the go.

Toyota Sequoia: Spacious and Rugged

For larger families or those needing extra space, the Sequoia steps up with its expansive interior. Seating up to eight with more room to stretch, it’s the choice for long road trips or hauling sports equipment. Its robust build handles Amherst’s varying terrains with ease, ensuring a comfortable ride in all conditions.

Passenger Capacity:

• Grand Highlander: Seats 7 or 8 passengers depending on configuration, offering flexibility for families or groups.
• Sequoia: Comfortably seats 8 passengers with ample legroom and headroom in all three rows.

Cargo Capacity:

• Grand Highlander: Behind the rear seats, it offers 11.3 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded.
• Sequoia: Boasts a cavernous 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a massive 120.1 cubic feet with seats folded, ideal for large cargo needs.

Performance and Efficiency

• Engine:
  • Grand Highlander: Offers a 2.5L hybrid or 3.5L V6 engine, with the hybrid boasting an impressive 245 horsepower and the V6 delivering 295 horsepower.
  • Sequoia: Packs a punch with a 3.4L V6 hybrid engine, churning out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
• Transmission: Both SUVs sport an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth gear changes.
• Fuel Economy:
  • Grand Highlander: Hybrid shines with up to 52 mpg combined, while the V6 offers up to 26 mpg combined.
  • Sequoia: Hybrid impresses with up to 21 city and 24 highway mpg, but lags behind the Grand Highlander.
• 0-60 mph:
  • Grand Highlander: Hybrid reaches 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, while the V6 manages it in 7.5 seconds.
  • Sequoia: Hybrid rockets to 60 mph in a swift 5.5 seconds, showcasing its power advantage.
• Top Speed: Both are electronically limited to around 130 mph, prioritizing safety over outright speed.

Tech and Safety

Standard Technology:

• Both SUVs feature an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Advanced Technology (Available):

• Grand Highlander: Upgradable to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL® audio system, head-up display, and wireless charging pad.
• Sequoia: Offers a larger 14-inch touchscreen, panoramic moonroof, rear entertainment system, and more.

Driver-Assistance Features:

• Both come standard with Toyota Safety Sense® 2.5+ suite, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
• Additional features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are available on both.

Safety Features:

• Both earned impressive Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Verdict:

• Grand Highlander: A strong contender for family SUVs, offering fuel efficiency, comfortable seating, and advanced technology. Its smaller size and cargo capacity might not suit everyone.
• Sequoia: A beast for big families or those needing ample cargo space, with impressive power and towing capabilities. Its fuel economy lags behind the Grand Highlander, and its larger size requires more parking space.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your priorities. If fuel efficiency and a slightly smaller footprint are important, the Grand Highlander shines. If you need maximum power, cargo space, and seating capacity, the Sequoia reigns supreme.

Discover Your Perfect Toyota SUV in Amherst

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Amherst, Premier Toyota invites you to explore the best of both worlds with the Toyota Highlander and Sequoia. Whether you're ferrying the kids to soccer practice or embarking on weekend adventures by Lake Erie, we have the ideal SUV to match your lifestyle. Dive into our new inventory to find the latest models tailored for comfort, efficiency, and power. For those seeking value without compromising on quality, our pre-owned inventory and certified pre-owned selection offer meticulously inspected vehicles ready to enhance your driving experience. Start your journey with an easy financing application, and don't miss out on exclusive Toyota special offers that make your dream SUV more attainable. Visit us at Premier Toyota in Amherst, where your new adventure awaits. Let's schedule a test drive today and find the Toyota that's perfect for you.

In Closing: Which Fits Your Amherst Life?

Both the Toyota Highlander and Sequoia offer compelling reasons to drive them home. Your choice comes down to what you value more: the Highlander’s efficiency and maneuverability or the Sequoia’s spaciousness and power. Consider your family’s needs, your driving habits, and what you’re hauling around Amherst.

No matter which you lean towards, Premier Toyota in Amherst is here to help you explore these options further. Swing by, and let's find the perfect fit for your adventures in and around town. With either choice, you’re set to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.