2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson was built on a new platform, offering North American buyers a long-wheelbase model with two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. Its front showcased Hyundai's new vehicle face, with a parametric grille that cleverly concealed LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. When lit, these lights formed a distinctive shape reminiscent of the Aztec Spirit Bird's wings. The Tucson's side profile borrowed design cues from the Hyundai Elantra, featuring a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. At the rear, toothy taillights illuminated by LEDs added a unique touch, helping the Tucson stand out among compact SUVs. Depending on the trim level, the Tucson rode on either 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end models boasting premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior was well-appointed, featuring stain- and odour-resistant cloth seats, with options for sport combination and leather-trimmed seats. The dashboard's horizontal lines and uncluttered aesthetic contributed to a sense of spaciousness.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior struck a balance with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's dimensions were impressive, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a somewhat dated design compared to modern SUVs. The 7-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen felt out of place in a market dominated by larger digital displays. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Sequoia's Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the SUV relevant. Despite its age, the Sequoia remained a reliable and durable choice for families.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid delivered a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was the standout, providing more power and a more enjoyable driving experience. The Tucson's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the ICE engine achieving 8.2 L/100 km combined for FWD and 9.0 L/100 km for AWD. The hybrid was even more efficient, using 6.4 L/100 km combined. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road testing, offering stability and control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a single powertrain option: a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine was known for its durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less favourable fuel consumption ratings, with 18.5 L/100 km in the city, 13.9 on the highway, and 16.4 combined. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust construction and suspension system.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson impressed with its spacious and well-appointed interior. It offered a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat as standard, with an eight-way version available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard, with options for ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat. The Tucson's new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with 1,095 litres of cargo capacity. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the cabin comfortably accommodated a family of four.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with its roomy three-row seating. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo compartment offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat. The interior provided ample storage options, including a spacious centre console and door pockets.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The Tucson's tech features were user-friendly, though the lack of physical buttons on the centre console required reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology lagged behind its competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the infotainment system felt outdated. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Despite its age, the Sequoia featured LED lighting and a rear backup camera as standard.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through Hyundai SmartSense. Standard features included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. Hyundai backed the Tucson with a 5-year/100,000-kilometre limited warranty.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's safety features provided peace of mind.