2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and straightforward SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still resonated with buyers who appreciated its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The 4Runner's utilitarian interior, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons, was a testament to its no-nonsense approach. While it lacked some modern infotainment and safety technologies, the 4Runner's simplicity and reliability made it a beloved choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, though also an older design, exuded a sense of timeless elegance. Its exterior, with modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, managed to avoid the trend of oversized features seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's interior, however, showed its age with a dated dashboard and smaller infotainment screen compared to its competitors. Despite this, the Sequoia's high-quality materials and robust construction ensured it remained a reliable choice for families. The Nightshade Special Edition model, with its unique styling elements, demonstrated Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and cumbersome, with heavy steering and brakes. Its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres, which limited its range to about 620 kilometres on a full tank.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivered 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Its six-speed automatic transmission and robust construction provided a smooth and stable ride, even with its substantial weight of nearly 2,721.5 kilograms. The Sequoia's towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms and payload capacity of 608 kilograms highlighted its utility. However, its fuel consumption was also high, with a combined rating of 16.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite its size, the Sequoia offered a pleasant driving experience, with excellent highway stability and off-road capabilities enhanced by its TRD Pro model.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a comfortable interior with supportive front and rear seats, ample legroom, and good visibility. Its cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded down. The 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but its overall practicality and utility made it a versatile choice for various adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and a three-zone climate control system. Its cargo area was equally impressive, offering up to 3,401 litres of space with the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior storage options, including a large centre console and door pockets, added to its practicality. The standard power moonroof and heated seats further enhanced the comfort and convenience for occupants.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. While the system was user-friendly, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups. The Trail grade's limited tech features were offset by practical additions like a windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo area power outlet.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was similarly dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system felt clunky compared to newer competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro models offered a 14-speaker JBL audio system and navigation, but the lack of modern powertrain technologies left the Sequoia feeling outdated. However, Toyota's updates to exterior lighting and safety features helped keep the Sequoia competitive.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner's safety ratings reflected its age, with mixed results from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including TSS-P with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also included a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing its safety credentials. The Sequoia's robust construction and standard safety features provided peace of mind for drivers, despite the lack of crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.