2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on elegance and simplicity, offered four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model came with various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, a turbocharged model, was noted for its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather with open pore wood trim, and a panoramic moonroof was available for the first time. The F Sport trim stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a specialized steering wheel. The minimalist interior design, while a departure from the previous model's button-heavy dashboard, integrated many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. However, essential controls like stereo volume and temperature adjustments remained physical, and the electronic shifter was user-friendly.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, a three-row SUV, was impossible to ignore with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's design featured a traditional grille and front bumper, giving it a distinct presence. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, offering an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The Capstone's interior was luxurious, with a cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme and a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system. The Sequoia lineup included TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices starting at $79,335 and reaching $95,335, including a $1,930 destination charge. The TRD Pro trim was recommended for off-roading, though the Sequoia's ground clearance and angles suggested less capability than the previous model. The TRD Off-Road trim offered a more affordable option with off-road features like 18-inch TRD alloy wheels and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Despite its rugged appearance, the Sequoia's off-road capabilities were somewhat limited compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The turbocharged powertrain provided a more engaging driving experience than the base NX 250, which had a 2.5-litre engine with 203 horsepower. The NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive on winding roads, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, and fuel consumption was observed at 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite improvements, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and the NX was not suited for off-road adventures due to its limited ground clearance and approach angles.

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, allowing the Sequoia to tow up to 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The new Sequoia was more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD. During testing, the Capstone trim averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Sequoia offered Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The 4WD system required manual engagement, and the 22-inch wheels on the Capstone trim affected ride quality. The Sequoia's suspension communicated road impacts, and the steering was slow, requiring effort in tight spaces. The regenerative braking system felt heavy and unresponsive, typical of such systems. Overall, the Sequoia's power and efficiency were impressive, but its ride quality and handling were less refined.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though the new dashboard design created a cozy feeling from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, and thoughtful padding on the driver's door panel and centre console added comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX's panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Thematic Ambient Illumination with 14 themes was available, though not tested. The NX offered 643 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expandable to 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

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. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-folding mirrors were standard. The Sequoia's wide, padded door panel shelf provided a comfortable armrest for long trips. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, though taller passengers might find them unnecessary. The Sequoia Limited trim and above included a panoramic glass moonroof, which reduced second-row headroom. Second-row captain's chairs offered comfort but lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat was mounted high, with limited thigh support and legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres with the seat slid forward. The Sequoia's adjustable cargo shelf lacked a lip, risking items falling out. Maximum cargo capacity was 2,460 litres, significantly less than the previous model and its rivals.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription was included. Additional features included User Profiles, digital key capability, and a digital mirror. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and lacked a tuning knob, which was a drawback.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured the new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base TRD Off-road trim and a 14-inch screen on other trims. The system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed user accounts and a guest account for privacy. The Drive Connect plan included an Intelligent Assistant, though it occasionally misinterpreted commands. The system allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two devices, but a bug affected phone calls. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Platinum and Capstone trims featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented collisions.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring lane keep assist, lane departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional packages offered rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, semi-autonomous parking assist, and more.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were standard. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were effective, though the lane-departure warning was noisy. The Sequoia had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tundra, on which it is based, received high ratings.