2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 4Runner

There is no denying the fact that Toyota knows how to make a user-oriented SUV. These vehicles can make for fun daily drivers and capable explorers off of the beaten path. Large or small, their SUVs are able to handle a lot of rugged pathways but do just fine driving along on crowded city streets, too. And that's where the 2022 Toyota Sequoia and 2022 Toyota 4Runner come into play. But which one is the better performer?

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia tends to look a lot like how it did a decade ago. Actually, it has been about that long since this full-size third-row SUV had a major overhaul. It is built on top of a truck base and definitely feels like a truck at times. It is even powered by a V8 engine that thirsts for fuel. The 7-inch infotainment system is somewhat small, and the hard plastics found throughout the cabin echo what you might find inside of a cargo van, not a $50,000-plus SUV.

But when it comes to hauling families around, the Sequoia is up for the task. Its cabin is absolutely cavernous, offering plenty of seating for adults and kids alike. There is also plenty of space for cargo when you leave the third row of seats upright. There are cubby holes galore, and you can easily charge up all of your devices with the abundance of USB ports found throughout the cabin. With its ability to tow up to 7,400 pounds and two off-road oriented trim levels, the Sequoia is able to take your family on some fun camping adventures.

The smaller 2022 Toyota 4Runner should not be passed over. While its ride quality is choppier than what you get on other SUVs its size and the V6 isn't exactly the most fuel efficient of its kind, the 4Runner possesses a good degree of rugged, outdoorsy prowess. There are also quite a few different configurations available, so there is bound to be something that will appeal to various types of buyers. Also, there is an option for a slide-out floor in the cargo area, which only serves to enhance the already generous space.

So, which Toyota SUV is going to hit the sweet spot for you, providing your family with adventure after adventure? Read on to get a better idea of how these two vehicles stack up against one another.

Size and Styling

When it comes to size, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia is definitely the bigger of the two vehicles. It is a full-size third-row SUV that is built on top of a truck base, so it tends to feel less SUV-like than some of its more contemporary competitors. The base SR5 trim level equips the vehicle with standard 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated side mirrors, and LED headlights and fog lights. The TRD Sport trim level adds 20-inch TRD Sport wheels and a bunch of black exterior trim, along with the badging and a roof rack. The TRD Pro upgrades you to sleek Rigid Industries LED fog lights, 18-inch BBS wheels, skid plates, a grille with the Toyota branding, a power liftgate, and black aluminum running boards.

The Limited refines the Sequoia's appearance a bit more by adding 20-inch wheels and chrome trim to the body. Up from that, the Nightshade is basically a cosmetic package that creates a somewhat more aggressive vibe for the Sequoia. As something of a factory blackout package, it is only available in black, gray, and - oddly enough - white. It comes with black and dark chrome exterior trim and 20-inch black wheels. The line-topping Platinum adds power-folding and heated side mirrors.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV with a tall, boxy design. It kind of looks like a smaller version of the Sequoia, honestly. It comes with plenty of ground clearance and a design that is meant for taking it off of the beaten path. The base SR5 trim level comes with a power rear window, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and roof rails. This year's Trail Special Edition adds on a handy Yakima roof rack and dark-painted wheels and exterior trim. The TRD Sport distinguishes itself with a hood scoop while the SR5 Premium lets you opt for a sunroof. The Limited makes the sunroof standard and further tacks on 20-inch wheels and exterior trim done in chrome. The line-topping TRD Pro adds on TRD wheels (which are outfitted with all-terrain tires, the TRD roof rack, and a unique front skid plate.

Drivability

There is no doubt that a great powertrain can make a SUV fun to drive. But what if a powertrain isn't all that great? How does it affect drivability? The 2022 Toyota Sequoia receives its power from a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine that generates a power output of 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine gets matched up to a six-speed transmission. There aren't any other powertrain options available for this model.

Ever driven the Toyota Tundra? The Sequoia feels a lot like that - and for a reason. The Sequoia and Tundra are basically built on the same truck platform. They both boast the same type of power from a big ol' V8 engine. Of course, this ample amount of power bodes well for towing and, when unladen, passing by other vehicles on the highway. The Sequoia also boasts a nearly best-in-class 0-60 miles per hour acceleration time of 7.4 seconds.

But, weighing in at about 6,000 pounds and having steering that lacks a lot of road feel, the Sequoia doesn't exactly handle curving mountain roads all that well. It is somewhat spry for its size, plus the TRD Pro's enhanced, sport-tuned suspension makes braking feel more secure and hill ascent and descent a bit more solid as well.

When you take fuel economy into consideration, though, performance takes a downturn. On a TRD Pro 4WD, there is an EPA-estimated 14 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. Real-world tests show that this vehicle can hit about 17-18 mpg in highway driving. While this isn't necessarily a bad showing, the Sequoia's 4x4 competitors have higher EPA ratings.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner receives its power from a standard 4.0-liter V6 that is able to put forth 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is matched to this engine. Available for the SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, Limited, and Trail Special edition are either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). RWD will be standard issue on them unless you specify that you want 4WD. Everything else comes with standard 4WD. Although five-passenger seating is standard issue, a third-row bench seat can be added on a few of the trim levels if you need the extra seats for kids.

Performance-wise, the 4Runner does well enough with smooth shifts coming from the transmission. Even though the V6 is getting up there in age, this vehicle is able to accelerate without much hassle. However, there is some nosedive when you enter into a panic stop, plus the brakes are a little touchy to begin with. The 4Runner rounds through turns with ease and feels stable for being a SUV based on a truck's platform. It just isn't quite so nimble as crossover SUVs based on car platforms. The multi-mode 4WD system, unique TRD features, and extra bit of ground clearance do make it a capable off-roader.

Fuel economy could be better from the 4.0-liter V6 engine. Being paired with the five-speed automatic makes it one heck of a gas-guzzling powertrain. EPA estimates place it at 17 mpg combined, which is about 4 mpg below what similarly equipped competitors are able to achieve these days.

Comfort, Options and Performance

Toyota knows what they are doing when it comes to creating comfortable vehicles. While the seats don't have a lot of bolstering to keep you locked in, they are kind of like big, comfy chairs that make road trips a delight to endure. There aren't many adjustments on the front seats, though, and the ride quality tends to feel nice and cushy. Small and large bumps alike are dispatched without any drama. There is a little engine noise that seeps into the cabin when you apply the pressure, but wind and tire noise are thoroughly muted. Hauling heavier loads is made more comfortable thanks to the height-adjustable suspension. The tri-zone automatic climate control system has a strong airflow in the back of the cabin, but, oddly, it feels pretty weak up front.

The Sequoia is quite obviously good on space, and getting into the first two rows of seats is easy when you use the grab handles and running boards. There are sliding and reclining functions on the second-row seats, which helps you more easily access the third row. However, getting out of the third row and down from the vehicle needs to be a more careful measure. There is indeed plenty of space for legs and heads, although those sitting in the first row need to stretch to reach the audio controls and touchscreen. The third row has enough legroom for average-sized adults despite being narrow but really only should be used in a pinch.

Toyota really needs to update the Sequoia's infotainment system, as it casts a shadow over all the good things this SUV has going on. And Toyota does do better - in other vehicles. The 7-inch touchscreen display was just recently updated but already looks a bit old. At least there are now more USB ports available than ever before, plus smartphone app integration is now included via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, it seems like even smartphone app integration can be kind of finicky when you use it, often disconnecting you or outright freezing up.

Utility - now that is where the Sequoia outpaces its rivals. Cargo space is aided by two back rows that fold completely flat, topping out at 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold them down. Even when you leave the seats up, the 19 cubic feet offered is ample for groceries to fit into. There are also so many cubby holes for stashing your small items that you might end up misplacing something.

Flipping it over to the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, you'll see a lot of similarities in terms of features and comfort stylings. Being a truck-based SUV, comfort isn't exactly paramount, but it is sufficient. The ride is somewhat stiff and bouncy, plus the tall, boxy profile generates a lot more wind noise than the 4Runner's lower-sitting competitors. However, the body-on-frame construction gives this vehicle more sound suppression so that less road noise comes off of the tires and into the cabin.

Also, that tall ride height makes getting in and out of the vehicle a touch troublesome, but the side steps really come in handy there. It is basically like getting into a full-size pick-up truck. Accessibility just isn't the same as what you'll find in crossovers. But, once you're in, the controls are all easy to comprehend, and you can easily find a commanding outward view from behind the wheel. There is ample space in both rows, and the windows and square size make for good rear visibility.

The 4Runner's technology is decent. The touchscreen audio system offers crisp graphics and a slew of shortcut buttons that can help you navigate the menus with ease. Smartphone app integration is standard, plus you get a smattering of helpful driver aids that work well enough.

With the design being so squared off, the cargo area feels cavernous. The rear seats fold down flat, giving you enough space to camp out in the back for a night. The second row can fit a couple of bulky rear-facing child safety seats with ease, and the door openings are square enough to make getting the seats in and out easy. It's just the kids who will have a hard time climbing in and out due to the tall ride height. The max towing capacity sits at 5,000 pounds, which means small campers and boats can be towed behind it. Four- and seven-pin trailer plugs can both be used.

Safety

Toyota is well versed in the average buyer's demand for advanced safety features. That's why they equip their vehicles with the standard Toyota Safety Sense bundle of advanced driver aids. The Sequoia has the Safety Sense P, which includes automatic high beams, a lane departure warning, a lane keeping system, a pre-collision system, and dynamic radar cruise control. The base trim also has a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, trailer sway control, and parking sensors for the front and rear of the vehicle.

On the 2022 Toyota 4Runner, you get a lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision mitigation as standard features. Otherwise, you won't get very much, as this vehicle is surprisingly sparse on driver aids.

Which Model to Choose?

While both the 2022 Toyota Sequoia and 2022 Toyota 4Runner are likable vehicles, the one we'd choose for people-hauling duty is the Sequoia. But if you want something that is a little bit more spry when it comes to off-roading, the 4Runner is your best bet. It all depends on how you plan to utilize the vehicle.