2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 INFINITI QX80

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic and tasteful exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches. Its dimensions were substantial, standing at 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. The interior, however, felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in the current market. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for families.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 shared its platform with the Nissan Armada, offering a similar aesthetic but with a distinctive Infiniti grille that set it apart. The QX80's exterior was tastefully designed, with LED lighting and conservative chrome use, complemented by stylish 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels. Inside, the QX80 featured upscale materials, including quilted semi-aniline leather seats and wood trim, but its design was beginning to show its age. Despite this, the cabin remained a comfortable and attractive space, although it fell short of the high standards set by its premium full-size SUV competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 boasted a 5.6-liter V8 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and seamless shifts. The QX80's towing capacity was impressive at 8,500 pounds, and its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a computer-controlled transfer case and ample ground clearance. The QX80 handled well for its size, with the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helping to manage body lean during cornering. However, its fuel consumption was high, and premium fuel was recommended.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating for all three rows. It featured a standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage options for passengers.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 required a climb to enter due to its tall ride height, but once inside, it provided a spacious and airy cabin. The QX80 could accommodate up to eight passengers with the optional second-row bench seat, though the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was less than some competitors, with 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 95.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The power-operated liftgate and third-row seats were convenient but slow to operate.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package available. Despite its dated tech, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 featured a new 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The QX80 also offered a Bose 13-speaker premium sound system, with a 17-speaker system available on the Sensory trim. A wireless smartphone charger was a new addition for 2022. The dual-screen rear entertainment system was a nice touch, though the lack of HDMI adapters was a drawback. The absence of Infiniti's ProPilot Assist was notable, given the QX80's premium positioning.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and other safety features were standard, though crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available.

The 2022 INFINITI QX80 offered a robust set of standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included driver attention alert and front knee airbags. The QX80 received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from NHTSA, with the structurally similar 2021 model receiving four stars for overall crash protection.