2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim and introduced the sporty ST-Line, enhancing the popular XLT version. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it an athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" effect, a popular design element from the previous generation. Inside, higher-trim Explorers showcased a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally reminding occupants of the base trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, presented a more commanding presence than its predecessor. The Sequoia's design featured a traditional grille and front bumper, distinguishing it from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, highlighted by leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the interior boasted a luxurious cream white-over-black colour scheme. Despite its upscale appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included the TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro trims, with prices ranging from $79,335 to $95,335, including a $1,930 destination charge.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada. This engine had a towing capacity of 2,400 kilograms and consumed between 10.3 and 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The Explorer Limited offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and achieving 9.6 L/100 km. The Explorer ST and Platinum featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg and consuming 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and offered an engaging driving experience, especially in the sport-tuned ST trim.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped 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 hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and it achieved a fuel economy rating of 11.7 L/100 km. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km in RWD mode. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, but its ride quality was busy and occasionally jittery. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive. The Sequoia's Custom mode allowed drivers to configure dynamic settings to personal preferences, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Higher trims offered features like triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a power-adjustable heated steering wheel. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage solutions, but it offered 528 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,132 litres with all seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL audio system, and triple-zone climate control. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but did not slide, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was mounted above the battery pack, resulting in a high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with all seats folded. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, offering less cargo space than its predecessor and segment rivals.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than Ford's newer Sync 4 technology.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim offered a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's tech successfully prevented accidents, but the system had some bugs, such as issues with Bluetooth pairing.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Explorer also offered Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The system operated smoothly, but the steering wheel sensitivity was occasionally frustrating.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included all driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash tests were not available, the Sequoia's Tundra platform earned high ratings from the IIHS.