2023 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a stalwart in the SUV market, continued its second generation into its 14th year without substantial changes. Its exterior design, characterized by a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, maintained a classic appeal amidst evolving SUV trends. Despite its mature design, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern vehicle. However, the interior quality was typical of Toyota, with high-quality materials and a robust build, ensuring durability for family use. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained its functional design, prioritizing simplicity and substance over style. The Premier trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was the most visually appealing. Inside, the Forester offered brown leather and metallic accents, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The interior was busy, with a mix of traditional buttons and knobs, but this approach made controls easy to locate and use. The Forester's design emphasized functionality, with excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight of nearly 2,721.5 kg, 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. However, its fuel consumption ratings were high, with 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered all four wheels. The Forester's SI-Drive system and X-Mode off-road traction control enhanced its driving dynamics, making it capable in various conditions. The Forester Premier, despite its modest power, offered a comfortable and communicative ride, with excellent steering and suspension tuning. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, with a consumption of 9.1 L/100 km compared to the official rating of 8.2 L/100 km.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. The cargo area was versatile, offering 535 litres of space behind the third row, expandable to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded. The Sequoia's interior storage was ample, with a large centre console and door pockets.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements available from the Touring trim. The Forester's interior offered excellent visibility and easy access, though the rear seats could be more supportive. Cargo space was generous, with 762 litres behind the back seat and up to 2,101 litres with the seats folded. The Forester's storage solutions were practical, with well-sealed doors and a usefully shaped cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic infotainment system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modern features found in competitors. The Sequoia did offer a JBL premium audio system in higher trims and standard LED lighting.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology, though seemingly outdated, was practical and user-friendly. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with connectivity features, while higher trims offered an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs, though the voice-recognition system was lacking.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from major safety organizations but was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system and a full complement of airbags and safety features were standard.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight technology, with adaptive cruise control and Automatic Emergency Steering. Higher trims included Rear Automatic Braking and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, though it showed some weaknesses in new tests.