2023 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, maintained a classic and mature design that had been in production for 14 years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model, with its darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, brought a contemporary touch to the Sequoia's appearance.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, redesigned for the 2022 model year, featured a blend of traditional and forward-thinking design elements. Its futuristic headlights and angular C-pillar contributed to a modern aesthetic that extended into the cabin. The interior boasted clean lines and a sensible layout, making it both visually appealing and practical. The Pathfinder offered various trims, each with distinct features, including the rugged Rock Creek trim with off-road enhancements and unique styling elements.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD and slightly lower for 4WD. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, with the Rock Creek trim offering a slight power boost. It utilized a 9-speed automatic transmission and offered both FWD and AWD options. The Pathfinder's off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Rock Creek trim, which included off-road suspension and all-terrain tires. While the ride was rougher on highways, it excelled on trails. The Pathfinder's towing capacity varied, with the Rock Creek capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. The vehicle's rotary drive mode dial and downhill crawl assist added to its versatility.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. It offered ample storage options, including a large center console and glove compartment. The cargo area provided 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded flat. With the second row in use, it provided 45 cubic feet, and 16.6 cubic feet with all seats upright. The first two rows offered generous headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, along with a practical roof rack capable of holding up to 220 pounds.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package offered additional features. Despite its age, the Sequoia included LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with larger screens available on higher trims. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The SL trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and device charging, while the Platinum trim included additional USB ports. Although the graphics were not cutting-edge, the system was user-friendly and functional.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also featured a full complement of airbags, stability control, and traction control, among other safety features.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The SV trim added ProPilot Assist with lane centering and adaptive cruise control, while the SL trim included front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking monitor. The Platinum trim added rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display.