2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized features seen in many modern SUVs. Its dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The interior, however, felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in the era of larger digital displays. Nonetheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a product of a 2019 redesign, fit seamlessly into the modern crossover SUV landscape. Its exterior design featured angular flourishes and crisp lines, with expressive headlights and a distinctive grille that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a user-friendly centre stack. The interior design was cohesive, with a geometric pattern tying various elements together, including the cloth seat inserts and dash pieces. The RAV4's design was both contemporary and functional, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre 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's truck roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent suspension.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. The RAV4's fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway for FWD models. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime offered even better fuel efficiency, with the Prime capable of running up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's car-like handling and advanced suspension system made it a popular choice for drivers seeking a versatile and efficient crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, 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 storage options were plentiful, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered impressive cargo capacity with 1,059 litres behind the second row and up to 1,977 litres with the second row folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 provided comfortable seating for four adults, with ample legroom and headroom in the front seats. The cabin featured numerous storage options, including a roomy glove compartment and covered storage beneath the centre armrest.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology offerings were somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it did include standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added navigation and a premium JBL audio system. Despite its dated infotainment system, the Sequoia featured modern LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration as standard. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and additional features like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and ambient illumination, making it a tech-savvy choice for modern drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, stability control, and traction control, ensuring a safe driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 was recognized as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assist systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic emergency braking. The RAV4 also featured Safety Connect with emergency assistance and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers.