2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder showcased a bold new design that drew inspiration from Nissan's latest SUV styling trends. It featured a reimagined V-motion grille, reminiscent of the Rogue and Armada, with the new Nissan logo prominently displayed. The LED headlights and slim daytime running lights added a modern touch, while the bulky C-pillar paid homage to the original Pathfinder. With 11 paint options and a distinctive black roof, the Pathfinder exuded a robust and capable aesthetic. The SUV's wider stance and increased height contributed to its rugged appearance, positioning it as a more adventurous choice for buyers.

Inside, the Pathfinder offered a refined and upscale interior, especially in its higher trims. The vehicle provided ample space with standard eight-passenger seating, except for the Platinum trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. The interior boasted a mix of cloth and leather-appointed seats, with quilted designs in the Platinum grade. The Pathfinder's design changes aimed to enhance its rugged image, and it succeeded in creating a more capable and appealing midsize SUV.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, made a striking impression with its bold design, blending elements from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck with a newly sculpted SUV body. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct look, setting it apart from its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared design elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, adding a touch of modernity to the interior.

The Sequoia's lineup included various trims, from the TRD Off-road to the luxurious Capstone. While the Sequoia offered impressive power and towing capabilities, its off-road prowess was somewhat diminished compared to the previous generation. The TRD Pro trim provided added off-road features, but the Sequoia's ground clearance and approach angles suggested limitations in rough terrain. Despite these challenges, the Sequoia's hybrid powertrain delivered robust performance and improved fuel efficiency, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful and efficient full-size SUV.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder retained its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While some enthusiasts hoped for alternative fuel options, the V6 provided ample power for most driving needs. The engine was paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT, offering smoother gear transitions. The Pathfinder's all-wheel-drive system, standard in Canada, included hill descent control and seven drive modes, enhancing its versatility.

The Pathfinder's suspension improvements contributed to a stable and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively. Its tight turning radius made it easy to maneuver in urban settings and off-road trails. With a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,720 kilograms), the Pathfinder proved capable of handling various towing tasks. The transmission occasionally struggled at higher speeds, but a brief release of the gas pedal allowed it to recalibrate smoothly.

In contrast, 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/generator. This setup produced an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly enhancing the Sequoia's performance. The hybrid system improved fuel efficiency, with ratings of 11.7 L/100 km in 4WD mode, a notable improvement over the previous model.

The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms (9,120 pounds), making it a formidable choice for towing enthusiasts. The hybrid powertrain's electric motor contributed to a smooth and responsive driving experience, although the regenerative braking system occasionally felt unresponsive. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. Despite its impressive power, the Sequoia's steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight spaces.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder prioritized interior comfort and versatility. Its quiet cabin was achieved through improved insulation and acoustic laminated glass, reducing road and engine noise. The Pathfinder's interior design focused on flexibility, with features like wide-opening doors, optional second-row captain's chairs, and the ability to accommodate up to five car seats. The EZ Flex Latch and Glide second-row seat technology provided easy access to the third row, even with a forward-facing car seat installed.

The Pathfinder offered ample cargo space, with 470 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,274 litres with the third row folded flat. With both the second and third rows folded, the cargo capacity reached 2,421 litres. The SUV's thoughtful design included a removable second-row centre console and a spacious front centre console with 13.4 litres of storage. The Pathfinder's interior was designed to accommodate families and their diverse needs, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable and well-appointed cabin. The Capstone trim featured soft leather upholstery, a premium JBL audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's front seats were comfortable, with heated and ventilated options, while the second-row captain's chairs provided separate climate controls and ample space.

However, the Sequoia's third-row seating was less accommodating, with limited thigh support and legroom due to the hybrid powertrain's battery placement. The cargo space was also compromised, with only 325 litres available behind the third row, expandable to 631 litres with the third row slid forward. The Sequoia's overall cargo capacity was smaller than its predecessor and segment rivals, limiting its utility for larger loads.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder came equipped with a range of user-friendly technology features. Standard offerings included an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system. The Pathfinder Platinum trim added a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel and a head-up display. A 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio system was available on higher trims, enhancing the audio experience.

The Pathfinder's infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use, with options for wireless Apple CarPlay and a wireless charging pad. The SUV's technology package catered to modern connectivity needs without overwhelming drivers with overly complex features.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The Sequoia's connected services included an Intelligent Assistant, which responded to voice commands, although it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The Sequoia's Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and convenience. However, the infotainment system's glare and occasional connectivity issues were minor drawbacks. The Sequoia's technology package aimed to provide a modern and connected driving experience, with features designed to enhance convenience and safety.

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Pathfinder also came with a driver alertness monitor, forward-collision warning, and a rearview camera. Upper trims offered a surround-view monitor for added visibility.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) as standard, providing a wide range of driver-assistance features. These included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition. The Sequoia also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.

While neither the Pathfinder nor the Sequoia had been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, the Sequoia's TSS 2.5 package offered a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to enhance driver confidence and safety on the road.