2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX presented a modern and sporty design, continuing the aesthetic updates from its 2020 facelift. Available in both standard and long-wheelbase versions, the RX 350 offered seating for five, while the RX 450h hybrid model provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's exterior was characterized by sharp character lines and angular features, creating an aggressive yet restrained design. The F Sport models stood out with performance-oriented styling, including 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appearance. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury appeal with high-quality materials, though the centre stack felt dated. The F Sport models added sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather, but comfort was compromised by less-than-pleasant seating and limited lumbar support.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, offered a commanding presence on the road. The redesigned SUV featured a traditional grille and front bumper, distinguishing it from its pickup truck counterpart. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, highlighted by leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the cream white-over-black interior added a touch of luxury. Despite its upscale appearance, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each offering unique features and capabilities, with the TRD Pro trim catering to off-road enthusiasts. However, the Sequoia's off-road capabilities were somewhat limited compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Lexus RX was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lack of engine growl and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport models included adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode, but the driving dynamics remained largely unchanged. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, offering a smooth ride and isolated road noise. Fuel efficiency varied, with the RX 350 using 12.2 L/100 km in the city and 9.0 on the highway, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 7.9 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada, surpassing the previous model's capabilities. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the Capstone trim averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, but the ride quality was occasionally jittery. The steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive. Despite these drawbacks, the Sequoia's power and torque made it a capable performer.

The 2022 Lexus RX provided 2,826 litres of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably accommodating four adults. The three-row L models offered limited space, with a tight squeeze for anything beyond groceries. Cargo capacity varied, with 453 litres behind the second row in the standard RX and 210 litres in the three-row version. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable-height cup holder, but the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the cargo area's load-in height was high.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked adjustability, impacting third-row space. The third-row seat was mounted high, limiting comfort and legroom. Cargo capacity was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres available behind the third row. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the Sequoia's overall utility was reduced compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available on higher trims. The infotainment system's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly, and the touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive. Despite these challenges, the RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start and vehicle settings customization.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen on most trims. The system was intuitive, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services included an Intelligent Assistant and Drive Connect plan, though some features were inconsistent. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia's tech successfully enhanced safety, with parking sensors and automatic rear braking preventing accidents.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, but only with optional triple-beam LED headlights. It received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash tests.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash tests were not yet available, the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested promising safety performance for the Sequoia.