2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2022 Volvo XC90 represented a significant evolution from the brand's earlier boxy designs, maintaining its family-friendly and safety-oriented image while stepping into the luxury class. After Volvo's acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding in 2010, the company developed new platforms, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) for the XC90, which debuted as a 2016 model. The 2022 XC90 showcased a sleek and athletic profile, with pronounced wheel arches and a distinctive "Thor's Hammer" LED headlight design. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious "Scandinavian Modern" interior with natural wood and metal trim, and options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery, emphasizing both comfort and sustainability.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, offered a more commanding presence than its predecessor. The Sequoia's design featured a traditional grille and front bumper, distinguishing it from the Tundra's "manta ray on wheels" look. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, highlighted by leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The Capstone's interior boasted a 14-inch infotainment system and a cream white-over-black colour scheme, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different preferences and needs, from off-road capabilities to luxury features.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: the T5 with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the T6 with a supercharged and turbocharged version delivering 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, and the Recharge plug-in hybrid combining a gasoline engine and electric motor for a total of 455 hp and 523 lb-ft. All models featured 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 driving experience was smooth and responsive, with minimal body roll and spirited acceleration, especially in the Recharge Inscription extended range model.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms. The Sequoia's fuel efficiency improved to 11.7 L/100 km with 4WD, a notable advancement over the previous model. The Sequoia offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive, affecting overall driving dynamics.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom and thigh support. The XC90 offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,855 litres with all seats folded. The interior featured ample storage, comfortable seating, and a panoramic moonroof, enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably, providing a comfortable environment even in extreme weather conditions.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, offering a quiet cabin with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The third row, positioned above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. Cargo capacity was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, with only 325 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,460 litres with all seats folded. The Sequoia's adjustable cargo shelf provided some versatility, but the overall utility was reduced compared to previous models.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering tablet-like functionality and standard Bluetooth. While the system was occasionally glitchy, Apple CarPlay improved its performance. The XC90 included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. Keyless entry and a Harman-Kardon audio system were standard on higher trims, with multiple USB ports for device connectivity.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Capstone featuring a 14-inch touchscreen. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, glare on the display and occasional system bugs affected usability. The Sequoia's parking sensors and automatic braking system enhanced safety during reversing maneuvers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which combined several safety functions for highway driving. The XC90 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's Tundra platform received high marks from the IIHS, suggesting strong safety performance.