2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volvo XC60

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, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity, although it appeared somewhat dated compared to modern SUVs. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, exemplified Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of style and design leadership, even as its overall theme aged gracefully. The XC60 Recharge model, with its Ultimate package and Dark exterior theme, looked striking with its 20-inch wheels and Thunder Grey paint. Inside, the XC60 embraced Scandinavian minimalism, offering a luxurious experience with black leather, wood trim, and metal accents. The panoramic sunroof and Orrefors crystal gear selector knob added to the opulence, making the XC60's interior a delightful place to be.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided 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. 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 body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 lb-ft of torque. This PHEV powertrain allowed for an estimated 58 kilometres of electric driving range. The XC60 offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, catering to different driving preferences. It accelerated swiftly, reaching 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. The XC60 Recharge excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 4.3 L/100 km during testing, and offered a one-pedal driving function for enhanced regenerative braking.

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 power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 535 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, provided exceptional comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. The rear seats, while comfortable, offered limited legroom for taller passengers. The XC60's cargo space measured 730 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate and ski pass-through panel added convenience, though underfloor storage was absent due to the battery pack.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with a clunky operating system. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements like turbocharging or electrification.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system. It provided access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, with support for Apple CarPlay. The voice-recognition system impressed with its accuracy, and the optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system delivered exceptional audio quality. The XC60's technology suite was comprehensive, offering a seamless and intuitive user experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags, ensuring a safe driving experience.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, synonymous with safety, featured Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane-centring capability. Oncoming Lane Mitigation helped avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles. While the XC60 Recharge lacked NHTSA ratings, the B5 and B6 models received top marks. IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, highlighting its exceptional safety features.