2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle design updates from 2018. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the overall design still reflected its 2007 roots. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was spacious but felt dated, with a multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dashboard, yet the vehicle offered comfortable seating, especially in the second row, and a variety of trims to suit different preferences.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, staying true to its origins linked to the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Its boxy proportions and high ride height emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional but showed its age with a dash layout from the late 2000s. The vehicle offered a range of trims, each catering to different driving needs, from road-oriented to off-road focused, and included features like a power-sliding rear window and a straightforward infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration despite the SUV's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were akin to a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes, though it exhibited some body roll in corners. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors but still respectable for its class.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, felt underwhelming in most driving situations but was reliable. The 4Runner's ride was harsh on paved roads, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was modest compared to some trucks but sufficient for most crossover needs.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious interior with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. It featured a power-retractable rear window, adding convenience for quick access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with slightly less space in the three-row model. The optional third row reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but compensated with a power-operated rear window for easy access. Although not the most efficient in cabin packaging, the 4Runner offered sufficient space for gear and passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with large hard buttons for easy navigation. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia's infotainment system was straightforward and functional.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It also offered Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced, the system was practical, with tactile controls that were easy to use, even with gloves. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. However, it scored only four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with standard forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four stars in NHTSA's frontal and side-impact tests and three stars in rollover testing.