2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse lineup with six distinct trims, each showcasing unique design elements. The base LS and popular LT trims featured different grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 trim combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country trim featured a chrome bar grille and bright-finished 22-inch wheels. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille, standard LED headlights, and expressive taillights. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look. Prices ranged from $49,000 for the base LS to $72,600 for the High Country, with the tested Z71 trim priced at $76,225, including destination charges.

Inside, the Tahoe's interior was centered around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The Tahoe offered a range of seating options, with leather becoming standard from the LT trim onwards. The Z71 trim tested featured quality materials, with exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces in the upper cabin, while hard plastic covered the lower half. The Tahoe's interior execution met expectations for its segment, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, maintained a mature design with modestly sized grilles and elegant wheel arches. Its exterior, characterized by straight lines and unadorned body sides, gave it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions included a height of 77 inches, a width of 79.9 inches, and a length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. With ground clearance ranging from 9.6 to 10 inches, the Sequoia's running boards were practical for easy access. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a dated design and a 7-inch touchscreen that paled in comparison to modern SUVs. However, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams, ensuring durability for family use. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, featured darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its contemporary appeal.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with the standard 5.3-liter V8 delivering 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, while the High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine, available for most trims, provided 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, promising improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,834 pounds. The Z71 trim came standard with a 4WD system, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades, while the 5.3-liter V8 and 10-speed transmission provided refined performance. The Tahoe's handling was commendable, with suspension upgrades controlling body roll and motion.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a single powertrain option: the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sequoia offered a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with a 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined fuel economy rating for RWD models. The Sequoia's body-on-frame construction and ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, with a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension providing a controlled ride. The TRD Pro off-road model further enhanced the Sequoia's capabilities. The Sequoia's turning circle and sightlines made it a practical daily driver, though its height required caution in low spaces.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from its new independent rear suspension, offering improved passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a power sliding storage console providing additional storage options. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with the latter option providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The third-row seat room was substantially improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.6 cubic feet with the seat folded down, and a maximum volume of 122.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating in all three rows and three-zone climate control. A standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the interior's appeal. The Sequoia's center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, with additional pockets on each door. The cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system offered over-the-air updates and enhanced cybersecurity protection. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade 9-speaker Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system provided versatility, though the test vehicle lacked the available 15-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with a premium audio and convenience package available. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain features. However, the SUV's exterior lighting was fully LED, and upper trims included a power liftgate with a power window.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe came standard with Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional safety features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's available surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering in tight spaces. As of the review's publication, the Tahoe had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also included a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the STAR safety system, which encompassed stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. A full complement of airbags and other safety features were standard on all Sequoia models.