2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained its classic design ethos, reflecting a mature and timeless aesthetic. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior design remained tasteful, with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the trend of oversized features seen in other SUVs. Its substantial dimensions, including a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm, contributed to its commanding presence. Inside, however, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. Nevertheless, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a significant redesign, offering a more modern and refined look. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The interior embraced a minimalist approach, with a decluttered dashboard and a focus on simplicity. The NX provided more passenger and cargo space, with options for NuLuxe simulated leather or real leather upholstery. The F Sport variant added sporty elements like a unique grille, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and sport-bolstered seats. While the interior design was sleek, some functions integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen were challenging to locate quickly, and the turn signal felt less refined compared to its competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 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's truck-based roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel consumption ratings were less impressive, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the turbocharged NX 350 with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport variant added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350's fuel consumption was estimated at 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving. While the NX's turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, it lacked the refinement of some German rivals. The NX's handling was impressive, with the F Sport variant offering better isolation from road imperfections.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious accommodations across all three rows. With three-zone climate control and a standard power moonroof, the Sequoia catered to the needs of its occupants. Heated front seats were standard, while heated rear seats were available on higher trims. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a more intimate and cozy interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, enhancing driver comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat, adding to the sense of space.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, the infotainment system lacked the sophistication of modern competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. The NX also offered cloud-based features, digital key capability, and a comprehensive head-up display. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, including features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. However, crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the Sequoia.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), offering advanced safety features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Oncoming Pedestrian Detection. The NX also included standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, and semi-autonomous parking assist.