2023 Nissan Pathfinder 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, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other 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. 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, carried over with minimal changes, except for the introduction of the Rock Creek trim. Its design blended futuristic elements with traditional styling, resulting in an SUV that promised to remain relevant for years. The interior featured clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered a range of trims, each with varying levels of equipment, from the base S trim with AWD and an 8-inch touchscreen to the top-tier Platinum trim with advanced features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and second-row captain's chairs. The Rock Creek trim added rugged elements, enhancing its off-road capabilities and aesthetic appeal.

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, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum 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 robust 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight power boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Power was transmitted through a nine-speed automatic transmission to standard AWD. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were bolstered by a slightly taller suspension and off-road shocks in the Rock Creek trim. While the off-road tires provided a rougher ride on paved roads, they offered a more comfortable experience on trails. The Pathfinder's rotary drive mode dial included various modes for different terrains, and the Rock Creek trim added an All-Terrain mode. The Pathfinder's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kilograms to 2,720 kilograms, depending on the trim.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a standard power moonroof, and heated front seats on all trims. The cargo area provided 535 litres of space behind the third row, expandable to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a generous 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior storage options included a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets, catering to the needs of a growing family.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 2,279 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 1,274 litres of cargo space, and 470 litres with all seats upright. The Pathfinder's interior was designed for practicality, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the first two rows and a third row suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable centre console. The Pathfinder boasted 12 cupholders and four bottle holders, along with numerous cubbies and compartments for storage. The Rock Creek trim's roof racks were functional, capable of holding up to 100 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. 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 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger 9-inch screens available on higher trims. While the graphics were not the most advanced, the system was user-friendly, with real buttons and dials. The Pathfinder offered four USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims added features like wireless device charging and additional USB ports. While not cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were practical and sufficient for most users.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included 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, anti-lock brakes, and a full complement of airbags.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder boasted an impressive array of standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor, while the SL trim included traffic-sign recognition and ProPilot Assist connected to the navigation system. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.