2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained a classic design that had aged gracefully over the years. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, giving it a robust yet refined appearance. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with high-quality materials, though it appeared somewhat dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac Escalade made a bold statement with its unapologetically large size and distinctive styling. Its front end resembled a diesel locomotive, with a tall hood and vertical running lights. The Escalade's design emphasized its bulk, setting it apart from other GM full-size SUVs. Inside, it offered luxury features like leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, though it lacked a cohesive design theme. Despite some cheap-looking plastic bits, the Escalade's interior was spacious and well-appointed.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered a smooth and stable ride, with a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were commendable, thanks to its robust construction and ample ground clearance.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered two powertrain options: a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 with 420 horsepower and a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 277 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine provided smooth power delivery and a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds. However, the Escalade's ride was unsettled, and it lacked the off-road prowess of some competitors. Its body-on-frame construction contributed to a less comfortable ride compared to unibody SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured a one-touch power moonroof and available heated and ventilated front seats. The cargo area offered 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade boasted a cavernous cabin, offering the most first-row and third-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. It provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 109.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While spacious, the Escalade's interior had some functionality issues, such as limited storage space in the center console.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sequoia's technology package offered a 14-speaker JBL audio system and LED lighting.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade featured a cutting-edge 38-inch curved OLED display, comprising three screens. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 360-degree camera system. The Escalade's tech suite included a head-up display, night vision, and a 19-speaker AKG Studio sound system, though some features were challenging to use.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also included a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2022 Cadillac Escalade offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Super Cruise, a sophisticated driver-assist system, was available on most trims. Like the Sequoia, the Escalade did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.