2022 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent some styling changes, including a new grille, LED headlights, and LED daytime running lights, which gave it a sleeker appearance. The grille was more upright and flanked by large fake air intakes, adding a chunkier look compared to the previous model. The Equinox maintained its car-based crossover identity, avoiding the rugged styling of some competitors. Its tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia made it less car-like than the Ford Escape, offering a middle ground for buyers. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents, and materials were decent for the price. The RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching, though the interior felt too subdued.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a big presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 77 inches, width of 79.9 inches, and length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt outdated. However, the interior was typical Toyota, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model added darkened chrome or black painted finishes, bringing the Sequoia's looks up to date.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The Equinox had more torque than most rivals but less horsepower. It performed well in stop-and-go driving, with peak torque available between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. However, at higher speeds, the engine felt coarse and unresponsive, and the automatic transmission's shifts were rough. The Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling, lacking the refinement of some competitors, but it was decently comfortable on rough roads.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Its weight contributed to low fuel economy ratings, but it offered a smooth and stable ride on the highway. The Sequoia's body-on-frame construction and ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, and its suspension provided a controlled ride. It had a respectable turning circle and good sightlines for daily driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position difficult. The Equinox provided a tall seating position and good forward visibility, though rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. The climate control buttons were prominently placed, and the cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating across three rows and three-zone climate control. It featured a power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample storage options. The cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, and the Sequoia offered 18.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row. Folding the third row opened up 66.6 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provided 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trim levels offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose 7-speaker audio system. The infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. The addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant advantage, and the Equinox offered multiple USB ports and power outlets.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, but the 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by digital dashboards in competitors. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. The Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, but its exterior lighting was updated with LED elements, and it included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle situations and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a full complement of airbags. It included a front energy-absorbing crumple zone, side-impact door beams, and trailer sway-control.