2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling that sat between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more traditional aesthetics of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It featured Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive vertical taillights, which were somewhat at odds with its compact size and tall profile. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct exterior styling cues, with the former showcasing bright chrome and the latter featuring darker trim and a mesh grille. The interior, while luxurious with the optional Platinum Package, lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to its competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic design that had aged gracefully over its long production run. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials and precise craftsmanship, ensuring durability and comfort for families. The Nightshade Special Edition model demonstrated Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a stylish option based on the Limited trim. However, the interior design felt dated compared to more modern SUVs, with smaller infotainment screens and a lack of contemporary design elements.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 engine provided a smooth and linear power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, which enhanced ride comfort and body control. The steering was well-tuned for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without excessive sensitivity, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single engine option: a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential and a two-speed transfer case for 4WD models. The Sequoia boasted a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent highway performance and off-road capabilities. Its robust construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, while the TRD Pro model featured enhanced suspension for improved off-road performance.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers, with more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but less than the BMW X3. It provided ample legroom in both rows, although the seats could have been more comfortable. The XT5 excelled in cargo space, offering 850 litres with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded, surpassing its German rivals. A hands-free power liftgate was available, and the front cabin featured a small cubbyhole for additional storage.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with generous headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo area was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior provided ample storage options, including a large centre console and door pockets, making it ideal for families and long trips.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. While the system was an improvement over previous versions, it still lagged behind competitors in terms of screen size and graphics. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. The XT5's controls were not user-friendly, with a rotary controller and capacitive touchpads that lacked physical feedback. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 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 technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, although it had a "Marginal" headlight rating and an "Acceptable" LATCH rating.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system provided stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and child safety features.