2023 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a design that had matured over its 14-year production span. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic and tasteful exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. Its 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, revealed its age with a dated design, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen, which seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, based on the SR5 Premium trim, embraced a retro aesthetic with its heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and retro body stripes. This special edition added a unique flair to the fifth-generation 4Runner, which had been around for quite some time. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with a solid build and easy-to-use controls, even if it lacked the modern technological advancements found in newer models. The 4Runner's design and features catered to those who appreciated a classic, truck-based SUV experience, offering a nostalgic yet functional appeal.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 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 powertrain. 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, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, resulted in less-than-stellar fuel economy, with EPA 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 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and had a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg. The 4Runner's off-road prowess was enhanced by its available 4WD systems, including a part-time 4WD and a full-time 4WD option on the Limited trim. Off-road technologies such as locking differentials, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select further bolstered its capabilities. While the 4Runner excelled in off-road environments, its on-road performance was less refined, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a somewhat bumpy ride over larger obstacles.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with its spacious three-row seating, accommodating up to eight passengers. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia offered ample storage options, including a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets. Its cargo space was versatile, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded flat.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner provided a unique feature with its power-down rear window, enhancing ventilation and offering an open-air experience. While the 4Runner's seats were comfortable, the third-row option was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third row, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area included storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor for easier loading and unloading.

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, Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package available. Despite its lack of modern powertrain technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner's technology was straightforward, with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. It offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons for easy operation. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also had a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard across all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less favorable, with a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a three-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it Marginal for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.