2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's approach of easing traditional car owners into the electric vehicle (EV) world without drastic changes. From the outside, it closely resembled its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, maintaining the same basic shape and structure. The most noticeable difference was the solid panel in the grill, replacing the airflow-dependent design of the gas version. Subtle details like the enlarged fuel-filler flap, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes hinted at its electric nature. Inside, the XC40 Recharge embraced Scandinavian design, offering an airy and roomy cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dash elements and premium finishes underscored Volvo's steady ascent into the luxury automotive category.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper distinguished it from the Tundra's more radical design. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The cabin was dominated by a massive 14-inch infotainment system, and the interior boasted a luxurious cream white-over-black colour scheme. However, some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different preferences, from off-road capabilities to luxury features.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two electric motors for all-wheel drive (AWD). It delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque, propelling the XC40 Recharge from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. This performance was complemented by regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration. Drivers could engage one-pedal driving, maximizing regenerative braking and preserving battery charge. The XC40 Recharge's low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, enhanced its handling, making it feel stable and planted through curves. Natural Resources Canada rated its efficiency at 2.8 Le/100 km combined, with a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved significantly, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving with 4WD. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times, and the steering was slow, requiring more effort in tight manoeuvres.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample cubbies and nooks for modern essentials, with comfortable front seats and a slightly cramped rear middle seat. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, designed for open roads, featured a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs provided comfort but lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. The third-row seat, mounted above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. The Sequoia's cargo capacity was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with a maximum of 2,460 litres, significantly less than its predecessor. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the high load floor made loading heavy items challenging.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with advanced technology, including a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The Android Automotive operating system provided seamless integration with Google services, while Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth ensured compatibility with non-Android devices. Over-the-air updates allowed for software enhancements without visiting dealerships. However, the range display showed a percentage of remaining charge instead of available kilometres, potentially causing range anxiety.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an Intelligent Assistant for voice commands. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, glare on the display and occasional glitches in the system were noted during testing. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic rear braking system effectively prevented collisions.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the gasoline version earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 Recharge boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning, blind-spot information, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. Volvo's Connected Safety system shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles, enhancing safety.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. While crash test ratings were not available at the time, the Sequoia's platform shared with the Tundra, which received high ratings from the IIHS, suggested strong safety performance.