2022 Jeep Wagoneer vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer presented itself as a substantial SUV, echoing the design language of the smaller Grand Cherokee models. It featured a high-mounted grille, LED headlights, and a boxy silhouette with trapezoidal wheel arches. Despite its name, the Wagoneer did not indulge in retro styling cues, such as wood paneling, instead resembling an enlarged Grand Cherokee. The SUV rode on a new body-on-frame architecture, a rarity in modern SUVs, which supported its independent suspension system. While the exterior was traditional, the interior offered some unique design elements, such as a central touchscreen framed by wing-like structures and a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. However, the material quality inside did not meet premium expectations, with glossy plastics and artificial-feeling wood trim detracting from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its design, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's styling was distinct, with a traditional grille and front bumper that differentiated it from the Tundra's more radical appearance. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the upscale Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a large 14-inch infotainment system, and the Capstone trim offered a luxurious cream white-over-black colour scheme. Despite its luxurious appearance, some materials reminded occupants of the Sequoia's pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different needs, from off-road capabilities to luxury features.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 mild-hybrid powertrain, producing 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. The eTorque mild-hybrid system enhanced fuel efficiency but did not allow for electric-only driving. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard four-wheel drive in Canada. The Wagoneer offered two 4WD systems: the Quadra-Trac I with a single-speed transfer case and the Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case for improved off-road capability. The Selec-Terrain system provided five drive modes, and the optional Quadra-Lift air suspension allowed for adjustable ground clearance. On-road, the Wagoneer impressed with its quiet cabin and responsive V8 engine, though it exhibited typical SUV body roll and shuddering over bumps. Off-road, it performed well but was hindered by its size on tighter trails.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a higher towing capacity of 4,137 kilograms compared to the previous model. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The ride quality varied depending on the mode, with Sport mode providing better control over ride motions. The steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces, and the regenerative braking system felt heavy and unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer accommodated up to eight passengers with a standard second-row bench or seven with optional captain's chairs. It prioritized rear-seat space, offering more legroom than competitors, though front-seat legroom was limited. The Wagoneer excelled in rear-seat headroom and cargo space, with 775 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,304 litres with all seats folded. It boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms, surpassing its rivals. The interior featured large storage bins and a digital rearview mirror, though forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable than competitors, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with all seats folded. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was significantly smaller than its rivals, though it featured an adjustable cargo shelf for better space utilization.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer was equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. It offered up to 11 USB ports and an optional McIntosh audio system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow, and the digital gauge cluster graphics were plain. The head-up display was clear even in bright conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The system allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing, though there were occasional glitches. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented collisions.

The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer came with standard driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, all standard, under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 package. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's platform sibling, the Tundra, received high ratings from the IIHS.