2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated enthusiasts with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, it maintained a rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, such as G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, presented a bold redesign with a distinct SUV body that drew inspiration from the Toyota Tundra. Its interior shared elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The Sequoia boasted a massive 14-inch infotainment system and a luxurious two-tone interior. However, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different needs, from off-road capabilities to luxury. While it offered a comfortable ride on highways, its off-road capabilities were less impressive compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident across its lineup, with even the base model capable of conquering challenging terrains. The Everglades model excelled in mud and water crossings, while the Bronco's on-road performance was surprisingly refined, offering a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved significantly, achieving 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. However, its ride quality varied depending on the driving mode, with Sport mode providing the best balance of power and handling. The Sequoia's steering was slow, and its regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design translated into ample interior space, offering generous headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top accommodating up to 634 litres behind the rear seats. Clever storage solutions and removable fender flares added to its practicality. The Bronco's utility was further enhanced by external mounting points for racks and light bars.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, providing a comfortable cabin with features like heated and ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and a panoramic moonroof. However, the third-row seating was compromised due to the hybrid powertrain, resulting in limited cargo space. With the third-row seat in its rearmost position, the Sequoia offered just 325 litres of cargo capacity, expandable to 2,460 litres with the second-row seats folded. Despite its hybrid advantages, the Sequoia's overall utility was reduced compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera for improved visibility. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Bronco's technology was designed to keep drivers engaged while providing confidence on challenging terrains.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services like Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had some quirks, such as glare on the display and occasional issues with Bluetooth pairing. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came equipped with standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The Bronco received favourable safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. While crash tests were not available at the time of review, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high safety ratings from the IIHS.