2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body, minimizing unnecessary adornments that could catch on obstacles. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, emphasized its adventurous character. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet uncluttered interior, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied across models, from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and second-row seat protector.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing design with a mature and timeless exterior. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a balanced look with a modest grille and elegant wheel arches. Its substantial dimensions, including a 122-inch wheelbase and up to 10 inches of ground clearance, contributed to its commanding presence. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, catering to different trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single engine option, the 5.7-liter i-Force V8, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sequoia offered a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. With a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, the Sequoia was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent suspension. However, its fuel economy lagged behind modern standards, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its clever features and versatile cargo space. It could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine allowed for towing up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with its spacious three-row seating and three-zone climate control. A power moonroof and available heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. The Sequoia offered generous storage options, including a large center console and door pockets. The cargo compartment featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded the cargo area to 66.6 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows provided a massive 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided additional off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were included on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and a rear backup camera.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The available Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, along with the STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and trailer sway control. Like the Bronco Sport, crash-test ratings were not available.