2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s SUV roots. Unlike many modern SUVs that have transitioned to car-based platforms, the 4Runner maintained its connection to the Toyota Tacoma pickup, offering a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper for tackling obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional, though it showed its age with a dash layout reminiscent of the late 2000s. In Canada, the 4Runner was available in Trail and SR5 models, with various TRD and Limited package configurations. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Toyota Safety Sense P driver assistance features.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, showcased a bold redesign, merging the look of the Toyota Tundra pickup with a newly styled SUV body. The Sequoia's interior shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. A massive 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, and the Capstone's interior boasted a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. Despite its upscale appearance, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included TRD Off-road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone trims, with prices ranging from $79,335 to $95,335 in Canada.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, delivered power to a standard 4WD system with a low range. While reliable, the V6 felt underwhelming in most driving situations, and the 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome, with noticeable body roll. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain effortlessly. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain 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 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 4,137 kilograms, and it offered improved fuel efficiency, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sequoia's ride quality varied depending on the driving mode, with Sport and Sport+ modes providing better control over ride motions. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum cargo capacity of 2,540 litres in the two-row version, with 1,337 litres available behind the second row. The three-row model reduced maximum cargo space to 2,514 litres, with 1,311 litres behind the second row and 254 litres behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While not the most spacious SUV, the 4Runner provided ample storage for gear.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with a comfortable cabin featuring leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain. With the third-row seat in its rearmost position, cargo capacity was limited to 325 litres, expandable to 631 litres by sliding the seat forward. The third-row seats folded to provide 1,387 litres of cargo space, and folding the second-row seats increased capacity to 2,460 litres. Despite these figures, the Sequoia's cargo space was smaller than its predecessor and segment rivals.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While not the most advanced system, it offered straightforward controls with hard buttons and dials, catering to those who appreciated a more analog driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, user accounts, and an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. However, the display suffered from glare, and some features, like the head-up display, were not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Sequoia also offered a surround-view camera system and a digital rearview mirror, enhancing its technological offerings.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. It received four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration but only three stars for rollover testing.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring 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 crash tests were not yet available, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS.