2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, despite its long-standing design, continued to exude a classic appeal. Its exterior maintained a balance with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing at 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. The interior, however, showed its age with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen, which seemed outdated compared to modern SUVs. Yet, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 showcased sophistication with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. The exterior was complemented by 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim, enhancing its stately presence. Inside, the GV80 featured quilted leather seats and a dash adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the interior was spacious and luxurious, offering a comfortable and elegant driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds resulted in less favorable fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6, with the latter producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension. The active noise cancellation further enhanced the driving experience, making it a quiet and comfortable ride on the freeway.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The interior offered ample storage, including a large center console and glove compartment, as well as door pockets and cup holders for rear passengers. The cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet and provided 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted luxury touches such as heated and ventilated front and rear seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and an Ergo Motion driver's seat. While a third row was available, it offered limited legroom, making it suitable for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for convenience. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system added to the comfort. The GV80 also provided substantial cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

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 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 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. Despite lacking modern powertrain advancements, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety technologies like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment system had a learning curve, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. A standout feature was the remote smart parking assist, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, enhancing convenience in tight spaces.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including 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, LATCH connectors, and energy-absorbing crumple zones.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was well-equipped with advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. A unique feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. The GV80 also offered Highway Drive Assist, providing hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star safety rating, while IIHS rated it Good for crashworthiness and Superior in front crash prevention.