2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the latter providing a sportier appearance thanks to features like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including the striking Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the center stack and gauge cluster felt somewhat dated compared to more modern competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia's interior, while high-quality and durable, appeared somewhat outdated with its 7-inch touchscreen and analog instrument panel. However, the Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was spacious and practical, with ample storage and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds. While the powertrain could be noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet and comfortable. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50 percent of torque to be transferred to the rear axle. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive-suspension system and three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for RWD models.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with spacious front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats could be split 60/40 for added versatility. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with just 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available as an option.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with roomy seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The interior featured ample storage, including a large center console and door pockets. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a massive 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. A power-folding third row was available, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus system itself was not user-friendly. Other features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and the Lexus Enform Remote app for remote vehicle control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it did include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with a premium audio package available. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, and it featured a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from the latter.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's safety features were comprehensive.