2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared a familial resemblance with the Nissan Armada, boasting a platform, mechanicals, and layout that were similar. Despite its large size, the QX80 was considered well-proportioned, neither too big nor too small. Its front-end styling was distinct, featuring a prominent yet tasteful Infiniti grille, complemented by LED lighting and conservative chrome use, which added an upscale touch. The 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels on the ProActive grade further enhanced its stylish exterior. Inside, the QX80's cabin was adorned with upscale materials, including wood trim and quilted semi-aniline Saddle Brown leather seats. However, despite its luxurious appearance, the interior design was seen as outdated compared to its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold new look, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its redesigned body gave it a more commanding presence than its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior was available in a cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $79,335 to $95,335, including destination charges. The TRD Pro trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities, while the TRD Off-Road provided a more budget-friendly option with off-road features.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a robust 400-horsepower, 5.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was a standout feature, providing impressive performance and a satisfying exhaust note. However, it was thirsty and required premium fuel. The seven-speed automatic transmission offered smooth and seamless shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The QX80's off-road capabilities were notable, with standard four-wheel drive in Canada and a computer-controlled transfer case. It had a generous towing capacity of 3,855 kilograms and managed to control body lean during cornering, thanks to the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain 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 setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and it offered improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. The Sequoia's driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, aided by a grab handle for shorter drivers. Inside, it offered a spacious cabin with good front-seat head- and legroom, although not as accommodating as some competitors. The power-sliding moonroof was smaller than panoramic designs, and the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Cargo space measured 470 litres behind the third row, 1,404 litres with the third row folded, and 2,694 litres with all seats down. The QX80 featured illuminated kick plates and cargo scuff plates, adding a premium touch.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with a comfortable cabin featuring soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. Power-deploying running boards aided entry, but the panoramic moonroof reduced second-row headroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the overall cargo capacity was smaller than its predecessor and competitors.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. It included a Bose 17-speaker sound system, multiple USB ports, and a wireless smartphone charger. However, the absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, as the QX80's older architecture couldn't support advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, glare on the display and occasional system bugs were noted during testing.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 came with standard safety features like forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. It also included driver attention alert, front knee airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners. The QX80 received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model earning four stars for overall crash protection.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning system's beeping was noted as irritating. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of writing.