2022 Volvo XC90 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while moving towards the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, leading to the current XC90, which launched as a 2016 model on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The XC90's design was sleek and athletic, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches, complemented by the distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, continued its second generation into its 14th year without a major redesign since 2008. Its exterior design was classic and understated, with modestly sized grilles and elegant wheel arches. The Sequoia's interior, however, showed its age, with a dated dashboard and a smaller 7-inch touchscreen compared to modern SUVs. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The XC90's fuel efficiency varied, with the Recharge model achieving an impressive 8.8 L/100 km combined in hybrid mode and a 29-kilometre EV range.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based design provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its fuel consumption was higher, with ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities, especially in the TRD Pro model.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults might find it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,855 litres with the second and third rows folded. It could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it versatile for family adventures. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering roomy seating across all three rows. The SUV 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, expanding to 3,401 litres with all seats folded. The interior provided ample storage, including a large centre console and door pockets. The Sequoia's cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, with a nine-inch touchscreen offering tablet-like functionality. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility improved usability. The XC90 also included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a Harman-Kardon audio system on higher trims. USB ports were available for device charging.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a JBL premium audio system and navigation. The Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements. However, it featured LED lighting and standard safety technology, including a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aid. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia's robust construction and safety features made it a reliable choice for families.