2023 Toyota RAV4 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design, the Sequoia's interior struggled to keep pace with modern trends, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed outdated compared to the larger screens in contemporary SUVs. However, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, making it a reliable choice for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a more modern design, sticking closely to the style introduced in 2019. The Trail trim, with its aggressive grille and blacked-out wheels, added a rugged touch, though it was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the RAV4 featured orange accents and a frameless rearview mirror, adding a premium feel to its otherwise basic interior. The RAV4 provided a range of trim levels, from the entry-level LE to the more luxurious Limited, catering to various preferences and budgets.

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. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of nearly 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less-than-ideal fuel consumption ratings, with 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was more subdued, focusing on efficiency rather than excitement. The RAV4 Trail trim, with its 19-inch wheels and all-season tires, shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models, providing a comfortable ride. While not as powerful as the Sequoia, the RAV4 offered a more fuel-efficient option for those prioritizing economy over raw power.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Its three-zone climate control and standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof added to the comfort, while the cargo compartment provided 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 options, including a large centre console and door pockets, catered to families needing ample space for their belongings.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, designed to seat five, offered 958 millimetres of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the back, with legroom measuring 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. While it provided less headroom for front passengers compared to some competitors, it offered more for rear passengers. The RAV4's cargo space was competitive, with 1,059 litres available behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded. Its interior featured convenient storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and generous door pockets.

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 lagged behind competitors. The Sequoia did offer a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system on higher trims, but its lack of modern powertrain technology left it feeling like a relic in a rapidly evolving market.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen as standard, upgraded to a 10.5-inch screen in the Limited trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, along with voice command and over-the-air updates. The RAV4 Limited also featured an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, enhancing the overall tech experience. The inclusion of a 12.3-inch driver-information display in the Limited trim further modernized the RAV4's interior.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a full complement of airbags. However, the Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, leaving some uncertainty about its safety performance.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4, equipped with the updated TSS 2.5 suite, offered advanced safety features such as Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 performed well in IIHS evaluations, earning a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, providing a comprehensive safety package for drivers.