2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that balanced elegance and functionality. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modest grille and elegant wheel arches, standing tall at 1,956 mm and stretching 5,210 mm in length. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was crafted with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model exemplified Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a glimpse of modernity within its established framework.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented a more contemporary design, albeit less flashy than some competitors. Its restrained bodywork and compact dimensions, with a height of 1,661 mm, gave it a spacious feel. The Equinox's interior featured two-tone leather upholstery and practical amenities like heated front seats. While its design was not groundbreaking, the Equinox offered a practical and approachable aesthetic, with a focus on comfort and usability.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it offered a reliable and durable performance. With a towing capacity of 3,221 kg and a payload capacity of 608 kg, the Sequoia was built for heavy-duty tasks. Despite its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg, it provided a smooth and stable ride, though its fuel consumption was notably high at 18.5 L/100 km in the city.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled city driving adequately, its acceleration at higher speeds was less impressive. The six-speed automatic transmission contributed to a noisier ride, but the Equinox's suspension and steering offered a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The AWD system required manual engagement, adding a unique quirk to its operation.

The Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Its cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row and up to 3,401 litres with seats folded. Practical features like a power moonroof and multiple storage compartments enhanced its functionality.

The Equinox, while not matching the Sequoia's cargo capacity, provided 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with seats down. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom. The interior featured practical storage solutions and a nearly silent power liftgate, adding to its convenience.

The Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic 4.2-inch driver information screen. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt clunky compared to modern offerings. However, it did feature a 14-speaker JBL audio system in higher trims.

The Equinox offered a simpler yet effective tech setup, with an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with quick response times and customizable features, making it a practical choice for tech-savvy drivers.

The Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. It included a comprehensive suite of safety systems, though it lacked crash-test ratings from major organizations.

The Equinox boasted a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored lower in IIHS tests, highlighting areas for improvement in crash safety.