2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek was a clever adaptation of the Impreza hatchback, designed to capture the growing market for crossovers with its rugged appearance, standard all-wheel drive, and elevated driving position. Subaru's strategy of enhancing the Impreza with black body cladding, model-specific 17-inch wheels, and a taller ride height resulted in a vehicle that could convincingly mimic an SUV. The Crosstrek's vibrant color options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its appeal, while the Subaru Global Platform provided a refined driving experience. However, the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, offering functionality but lacking in visual excitement.

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 imposing presence. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and analog instrument panel. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing the Sequoia's visual appeal.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two gasoline powertrain options. The Sport and Limited trims featured a new 2.5-liter boxer-four engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The base and Premium trims retained the 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The Crosstrek's boxer engine design provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing handling, although the SUV-like stance somewhat negated this benefit. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on Base and Premium trims, while a CVT was available for those seeking automatic transmission. All trims came with standard AWD, featuring torque vectoring and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek excelled on pavement, offering predictable handling and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, generating 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 for 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. However, its weight of up to 6,000 pounds contributed to its low fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered competitive passenger space, with front and rear legroom matching the Impreza hatchback. It provided slightly more rear headroom and 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 55.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it surpassed some competitors in cargo space, it lagged behind others like the Honda HR-V and Kia Seltos. The Crosstrek featured a rear-seat reminder system and a convenient cubby hole with USB ports for front passengers, though rear-seat passengers had limited access to USB ports. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, offering good outward visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's interior offered ample storage, including a large center console and door pockets. The cargo area provided 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the cargo area added convenience for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek featured the Starlink infotainment system with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Premium and Sport trims added WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Limited trim offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Crosstrek's infotainment system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. A secondary screen displayed additional information, though it seemed somewhat redundant.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package offered 14 JBL speakers and a subwoofer. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in side crash tests. The 2020 model, nearly identical to the 2021 version, earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick" award. The Crosstrek's EyeSight system offered adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the EyeSight cameras' positioning limited functionality in certain conditions.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Toyota Safety Sense P included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The STAR safety system provided stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and child safety features, ensuring passenger protection.