2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, standing tall at 1,956 millimetres and stretching 5,210 millimetres in length. Despite its dated interior, characterized by a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen, the Sequoia's build quality was impeccable, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, exemplified Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in its Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and ruggedness. The Forester Wilderness featured a suspension lift, higher ride height, and protective cladding, giving it a distinctive "overlanding" look. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Wilderness trim's unique features, such as copper-coloured accents and matte-black hood decal, added to its adventurous persona, though not everyone found these elements appealing.

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 performance. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of approximately 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. The TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road prowess with Fox shocks.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply in the Wilderness model. This allowed the Forester Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. The Forester's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Its three-zone climate control and standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the comfort. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres available behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, making it ideal for families.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim's StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, complemented by all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a roof tent. The Forester offered 818 litres of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. Its practical design and ample storage made it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system and navigation. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more modern infotainment experience, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Forester Wilderness added a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The available Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the navigation system lacked a breadcrumb function.

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 warning, 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. Despite the lack of crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, the Sequoia offered a comprehensive set of safety features.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Limited and Premier trims added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS.