2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing second generation, maintaining a classic design that had aged gracefully. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, with straight lines that emphasized its substantial size. Despite its mature design, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen that seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior quality was typical of Toyota, with high-quality materials and a durable build, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged appearance with a trapezoidal grille. Its design included a character line that added visual weight, making it appear slightly disjointed compared to competitors. Inside, the Highlander featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating a unique look. The Bronze Edition introduced light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which was less practical for families due to its tendency to attract dirt. The Softex synthetic leather was less convincing compared to genuine leather, which was only available in higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a robust towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with a respectable 38.1-foot turning circle. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced in the TRD Pro model, making it suitable for adventurous families. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, generating 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and offered both FWD and AWD options. The hybrid powertrain provided a smooth ride, with regenerative braking that seamlessly transitioned to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious families. Its ride quality was comfortable, and the cabin remained quiet on highways, although the engine's drone during acceleration was a minor drawback.

The Sequoia offered spacious seating across all three rows, with features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. Its cargo space was impressive, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 120.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior provided ample storage, making it practical for family trips.

The Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable, with plenty of storage options for personal items. The second row was spacious, accommodating taller passengers, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded, offering versatility for family needs.

The Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. However, it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi connectivity. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package.

The Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad, navigation, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, providing a more modern tech experience.

The Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings but included the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. It also had a full complement of airbags and safety systems like stability control and traction control.

The Highlander Hybrid received high safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA score and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.