2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a classic and robust exterior design that resonated with the adage that "good taste never goes out of style." Its modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches provided a balanced aesthetic, avoiding the oversized features seen in many modern SUVs. The Sequoia's 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, showed its age with a dated design and smaller infotainment screens compared to its contemporaries. Yet, the quality of materials and construction remained high, reflecting Toyota's commitment to durability and functionality.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder front-end design reminiscent of the BMW 7 Series sedan. The new styling, with LED accent lights and a recessed headlight design, was polarizing, drawing mixed reactions. The interior saw significant updates, including a curved glass display housing the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials used were of premium quality, with options like Merino leather and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite the controversial exterior, the interior revisions provided a modern and elegant feel, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 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-based roots contributed to its impressive 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 2023 BMW X7 offered a choice between a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a more powerful 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing robust performance. The X7's acceleration was impressive, with the V8 model reaching 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Despite its weight of nearly 2,720 kilograms, the X7 managed to deliver a composed and confident driving experience, balancing performance with ride comfort.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in 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 cargo space was generous, with 535 litres available behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both rear rows down. The Sequoia's interior storage options were plentiful, with a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets.

The 2023 BMW X7 provided a luxurious and spacious interior, with ample room for second-row passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Access to the third row was facilitated by power-operated middle-row seats, though the third row offered less thigh support. Cargo space was practical, with 362 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,376 litres with the third row stowed, and a maximum of 2,560 litres with all rear seats folded. The X7 also featured a split tailgate and adjustable air suspension for easier loading.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the overall infotainment experience felt clunky compared to modern competitors. The Sequoia did include a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system on higher trims and standard LED lighting throughout.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, though it received mixed reviews due to the reduction of physical buttons and reliance on touchscreen controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system was included. The system's voice command functionality aimed to compensate for the lack of physical controls, but it was not always seamless.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive airbag system. Despite the lack of crash-test ratings, the Sequoia's safety features provided a reassuring level of protection.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a highway driving assist feature. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the X7's safety technologies were well-regarded for their effectiveness and reliability.