2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. Its substantial dimensions, including a height of 77 inches and a length of 205.1 inches, gave it a commanding presence. Inside, however, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. Nevertheless, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 exuded a sense of modern elegance, both inside and out. The exterior design, enhanced by the Dark exterior theme and Thunder Grey paint, was stylish and contemporary. Inside, the XC60 embraced Scandinavian minimalism, with luxurious touches like Nappa leather upholstery and a crystal gear selector knob. The cabin felt opulent, thanks to features like ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. While the XC60's overall design was aging gracefully, it still managed to impress with its attention to detail and high-quality materials.

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, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck-based roots contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, resulted in less-than-stellar fuel economy, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD 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 independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge, on the other hand, featured a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 455 horsepower and 423 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed for an estimated 35 miles of electric driving range and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The XC60 offered various driving modes, including Hybrid, Power, and Pure, catering to different driving preferences. Its maximum towing capacity was 3,500 pounds. The XC60 Recharge excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 54.6 mpg during testing, and offered a dynamic driving experience with features like torque-vectoring and one-pedal driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was generous, 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 down. Storage options included a large center console, glove compartment, and door pockets, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, being a compact SUV, was best suited for four passengers, though it could accommodate five if needed. The front seats, wrapped in Nappa leather, offered exceptional comfort with heating, ventilation, and power cushion extensions. Rear seat comfort was also commendable, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. The XC60 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage solutions included door panel bins, a glovebox, and a netted space for the charging cord. The power liftgate and air suspension made loading and unloading cargo more convenient.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the overall system felt clunky compared to modern competitors. Standard features included WiFi connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker audio system on the Limited trim. The Sequoia's technology package lagged behind, lacking the electrification and advanced powertrains seen in newer models. However, it did feature LED exterior lighting and a rear backup camera.

In contrast, the 2023 Volvo XC60 boasted a more advanced technology suite. It featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 9-inch Google Built-in infotainment system with access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play. The system supported both Android and Apple CarPlay, and the voice-recognition system was notably impressive. The XC60 also offered a high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system, though the standard Harman Kardon system was more than sufficient for most users. The infotainment system's intuitive interface and responsive controls made it a standout feature.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, which included features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also offered a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. However, the Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2023 Volvo XC60, known for its safety innovations, offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Ultimate trim included Pilot Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability. The system performed well on highways, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The XC60 also featured Oncoming Lane Mitigation and technology to prevent unsafe left turns. While the XC60 Recharge hadn't been assessed by the NHTSA, the B5 and B6 models received top marks. The IIHS awarded the XC60 a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, with the possibility of carrying it forward to 2023.