2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs with its distinctive design. Its front end, though less dramatic than the Sienna minivan, featured wide headlights, a long hood, and a bold trapezoidal grille. The side profile boasted a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without compromising size. The introduction of the XSE trim added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a unique front fascia, though it didn't transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, exuded luxury with chrome accents and a refined interior featuring tan leather seats and wood details.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, maintained a mature design. Its exterior struck a balance with a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to competitors. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition, based on the Limited model, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a glimpse of modernity in an otherwise dated design.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was not designed for high-performance thrills but rather for smooth and reliable operation. Its 3.5-litre V6 engine produced 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the Highlander offered a balanced powertrain that was competitive with rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. While not a drag racer, it provided sufficient power for highway merging. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement without compromising family-focused practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension. The TRD Pro model further enhanced off-road performance with Fox shocks. However, its fuel consumption ratings were less favourable, reflecting its substantial weight.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior comfort and versatility. Its three-row configuration offered ample space, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed reclining captain's chairs with adjustable legroom, while the third row accommodated adults with some compromise. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to all occupants, and a power moonroof added to the airy feel. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The Sequoia's cargo area offered 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a generous 3,401 litres with both rear rows down, making it ideal for family adventures.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch unit available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across the lineup. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive but limited in functionality, as certain apps didn't utilize the full display. A JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade, offering decent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain advancements, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technology, including a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander boasted an impressive suite of safety features with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection support, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was also standard. The Highlander received top safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, while lacking crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, offered a comprehensive safety package. Toyota Safety Sense P included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and energy-absorbing features, ensuring passenger safety.