2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based roots, reminiscent of the SUV craze of the 1980s. Unlike many modern SUVs that have transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its origins, sharing its underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice was not due to stubbornness but rather a strategic decision by Toyota, which already had the Highlander for family duties, allowing the 4Runner to cater to off-road enthusiasts. Its adventurous spirit was evident in its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper, all designed for tackling obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's function-first approach was clear, though the dash layout showed its age, having last been redesigned in 2009.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup. This new look gave the Sequoia a more commanding presence, though opinions on its appeal varied. Inside, the Sequoia shared many elements with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale touches in the Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included trims like SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone, with prices starting at $59,895 for the base SR5 and reaching $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a single 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. While reliable, this engine felt dated and underwhelming in most driving situations, except for its decent initial acceleration. The power was channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll, but it excelled off-road, where its suspension absorbed rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. When properly equipped, the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, which was more than most car-based crossovers.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia boasted a hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the previous V8 model. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, and its payload capacity rose to 1,730 pounds. Fuel efficiency improved, with the new Sequoia achieving 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the ride and handling to their preferences. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model's 88.8 cubic feet. With the second-row seats in use, the two-row 4Runner provided 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The optional third-row seat, available on select trims, increased seating capacity to seven but reduced cargo space. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window, making it easy to stow items in the back. While the 4Runner's cabin was not the most spacious, it provided ample storage for gear.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium sound system, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. However, the panoramic glass sunroof reduced second-row headroom, and the third-row seat was less comfortable due to its high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited, with just 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 22.3 cubic feet by sliding the seat forward. The Sequoia's third-row seats folded to provide 49 cubic feet of cargo space, and the second-row seats folded to accommodate 86.9 cubic feet. Despite the hybrid powertrain's benefits, the Sequoia's overall utility was compromised compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While not the most advanced system, it offered straightforward controls with hard buttons and dials, making it easy to use, especially with gloves. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. While lacking features like a head-up display, the 4Runner's infotainment system covered the basics and complemented its analog driving style.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia offered a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen available on most trims. The system was intuitive, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services allowed for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant that responded to voice commands. However, the system had some quirks, such as issues with Bluetooth pairing and glare on the display. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses. The Sequoia also featured a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing visibility and safety.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which included forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but received three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of review.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included every driver-assistance feature as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5). This package offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and road sign recognition. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While the Sequoia had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, the Tundra, on which it was based, received high ratings from IIHS, suggesting good safety performance.