2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, largely unchanged over the years, featured a two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches, offering balanced proportions and timeless styling. The 4Runner was available in various trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition adding unique features. The interior, while dominated by hard plastics, was practical and easy to clean, with a dashboard that retained an old-school charm. The 4Runner's simplicity and durability made it a reliable choice for those who valued function over form.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, though also an older design, exuded a sense of elegance with its modestly sized grille and straight lines. Its large dimensions and high ground clearance gave it a commanding presence, while the interior, though somewhat dated, was built to last with high-quality materials. The Sequoia offered ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added modern touches with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, bringing the Sequoia's appearance up to date. Despite its age, the Sequoia's design and build quality ensured it remained a competitive option in the SUV market.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like the A-Trac off-road traction control system, which helped navigate challenging terrains. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow and heavy, with clunky handling and a less-than-smooth ride. Its fuel economy was also a downside, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing. Despite these drawbacks, the 4Runner's off-road capabilities and rugged charm made it appealing to adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivered 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and stable ride, especially on highways. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Despite its weight, the Sequoia handled well, offering a comfortable ride and competent off-road capabilities, particularly in the TRD Pro model.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a comfortable interior with supportive seats and ample legroom in the back. While a third-row seat was available, the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck, providing up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but its overall interior space and storage options made it a practical choice for outdoor adventures.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The cargo area offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Sequoia's interior was designed for convenience, with ample storage options and features like a power moonroof and heated and ventilated front seats available on all trims. Its generous interior space made it an ideal choice for families and those needing extra room for cargo.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's technology offerings were basic, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added features like dynamic navigation and voice recognition. While the system was functional, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups, relying on physical buttons and knobs for operation.

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 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package enhancing the sound experience. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia offered essential features and some modern conveniences.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system, and its safety ratings reflected its age, with some areas receiving lower scores from safety organizations.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) and the STAR safety system. It offered standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a full complement of airbags and advanced safety technologies. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's safety features provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers.