2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from its 2018 facelift. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the overall design still reflected its 2007 origins. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was spacious, though the front seats felt bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The second-row seats, however, offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering a variety of features and options to suit different preferences.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates that enhanced its sporty appearance, including a new front fascia and rear bumper. The interior retained its clean design, with a new digital instrument cluster adding a modern touch. The XC60's cabin was understated yet elegant, with features like aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats in the R-Design trim. The Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery for a more luxurious feel. Overall, the XC60's design emphasized a balance of style and functionality, appealing to those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe in towing capacity.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the B5 available in FWD or AWD, and the B6 exclusively in AWD. The XC60's acceleration was slightly slower than the 2021 model, but the mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, with a 0-60 mph time of 5 seconds, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity was 21.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.8 cubic feet with them folded for mild-hybrid models, slightly less for plug-in hybrids. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with simple menus and large hard buttons. Our test model included a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the expansive dash. The digital trip computer was basic but functional.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store, offering seamless Android functionality. The infotainment redesign included a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access, and the digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it scored only four stars in the NHTSA's rollover test and lacked more advanced safety tech.

The 2022 Volvo XC60, while not yet rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, had a strong safety record from the 2021 model. It included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. New features for 2022 included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo's Pilot Assist system was available, combining adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering.