2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, available in Canada in LT, True North, Premier, and RS trims, offered a mix of sporty design and practicality. The LT featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while other trims came with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The RS trim boasted a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, with a distinctive exterior and a sporty interior featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative climate controls. However, the use of hard plastics inside was a notable downside.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold redesign, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra. Its exterior was more imposing, with a traditional grille and bumper. Inside, the Sequoia shared elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the Capstone trim. The 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior was luxurious yet reminded occupants of its pickup truck roots. The Sequoia's design was both striking and functional, appealing to those seeking a robust SUV presence.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT came with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims offered a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim featured a dual-clutch AWD system, enhancing its sporty feel. The Blazer's V6 engine provided satisfying acceleration, though it was often loud. It could tow up to 2,040 kilograms, and its fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 4,137 kilograms, significantly more than its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved, averaging 13.2 L/100 km during testing. The SUV offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, and Sport, though its steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy.

Inside the 2022 Chevrolet Blazer, the RS trim featured black leather upholstery with red accents, providing a sporty look. The front seats offered power adjustments and heating, though they lacked thigh support. The Blazer's rear seat was spacious and adjustable, enhancing cargo or passenger space. Storage was ample, with a large glove compartment and various bins. The power liftgate revealed a cargo area of 864 litres, expandable to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with a quiet cabin and comfortable front seats. The Capstone trim included a JBL audio system and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable but lacked adjustability, affecting third-row space. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was limited, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with seats folded. The hybrid powertrain's placement reduced overall utility compared to previous models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. It included dual-zone climate control and various connectivity options. The RS trim offered a power liftgate with hands-free operation, though its reliability was inconsistent.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system allowed for user accounts and included an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim featured a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, offering forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat and adaptive cruise control. However, its headlights did not earn high ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's platform shared high safety ratings with the Tundra.