2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions available. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a US-market special edition that included features like LED exterior lighting and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and a driving position that required some acclimation.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, presented a more substantial presence than its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The Capstone's dashboard was dominated by a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, and the interior boasted a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. The Sequoia lineup included the TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro trims, with prices starting at $79,335 for the base TRD Off-road. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the TRD Pro trim, while the TRD Off-Road offered a more affordable option with features like 18-inch TRD alloy wheels and off-road suspension. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Sequoia's interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic glass moonroof.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was designed for challenging terrains. However, its fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and touchy brakes. Despite these traits, the Wrangler offered an immersive driving experience, especially with the top open and doors removed, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain that produced 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm. This powertrain allowed the Sequoia to tow up to 4,137 kilograms, significantly more than its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous evaluation loop. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience. However, the regenerative braking system could feel unresponsive, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and windshield, requiring some adjustment. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit challenges due to narrow door openings and intrusive wheel wells. Cargo space was generous, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery and a JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia's power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, while the panoramic glass moonroof reduced second-row headroom. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was limited, with 325 litres behind the third-row seat, expandable to 631 litres. The Sequoia's adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the overall cargo capacity was reduced compared to the previous model.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen with satellite radio and a navigation system. The Wrangler featured remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in the Capstone trim. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering features like an Intelligent Assistant. The Sequoia's tech included a 10-inch head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a digital rearview mirror. The parking sensors and automatic rear braking system enhanced safety during reversing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. 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 shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.