2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Cadillac XT5

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 presented a unique blend of styling that sat between the futuristic angularity of the Lexus NX and the more conventional designs of the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It incorporated Cadillac’s signature design elements, such as a bold grille and distinctive lighting features, but its compact size and tall profile created an awkward aesthetic. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered distinct styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter darker trim and a mesh grille. Inside, the XT5’s interior felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added high-end materials like semi-aniline leather and a microfibre sueded headliner. However, the interior lacked a cohesive design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, made a bold statement with its design, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its newly creased and kinked body gave it a commanding presence, though opinions on its appeal varied. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a massive 14-inch infotainment system, and the Capstone’s cream white-over-black colour scheme added a touch of luxury. However, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia’s lineup included various trims, each offering unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and needs.

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 ample power for everyday driving, with smooth and quick shifts from the transmission. The optional Platinum Package included a performance suspension with adaptive dampers, enhancing ride comfort and body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, offering nimbleness without excessive corrections. The cabin remained quiet, contributing to the overall luxury experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup produced an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia’s towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, surpassing the previous model. Fuel efficiency improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the suspension communicated road impacts, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight manoeuvres. The regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times, affecting braking consistency.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 provided competitive interior space compared to German luxury crossovers. It offered more front headroom than the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, though less than the BMW X3. Rear headroom was slightly less than its German rivals, but the XT5 excelled in legroom for both rows. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding, especially in the rear. Cargo space was generous, with 850 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,784 litres with them folded. The XT5 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a small cubbyhole for storage.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated steering wheel was standard. The Sequoia’s second-row captain’s chairs provided comfort but lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in place. Folding the seats expanded capacity to 2,460 litres, but it was still smaller than its predecessor and competitors.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display. While usability improved, the tech remained adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, glare on the display was an issue. The system allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, but there were occasional glitches. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia’s tech successfully assisted with parking and reversing, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came equipped with standard safety features such as 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.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included all driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia’s safety tech was effective, though crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.