2021 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Ford Explorer was a testament to Ford's consistent design philosophy, offering a family resemblance across its SUV lineup. The Explorer's exterior was sleek and sporty, with raked belt lines and distinctive visages that set it apart from other brands. It featured a variety of grille options depending on the trim, ranging from black to full chrome, and offered six trim levels, each enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic and comfort. Inside, the Explorer provided three rows of seating as standard, with the base model offering cloth upholstery. The dashboard was clean and user-friendly, dominated by an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and complemented by large knobs and buttons for easy control. The XLT trim was particularly popular, offering enhanced features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen, while higher trims provided leather upholstery and additional luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, maintained a mature design that had been in place since its last major update in 2008. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a timeless appeal. The Sequoia was notably large, with dimensions that emphasized its commanding presence. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern trends, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials and precision, ensuring durability and comfort for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite its weight of 4,345 pounds, this engine provided competitive performance. The Explorer Limited Hybrid increased power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque in the Explorer ST. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration, making it a capable choice for towing needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and offered a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its substantial weight, ranging from 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, and its fuel economy was rated at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Despite its weight, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers and 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 81 cubic feet, though this was less than some competitors.

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 rear rows down.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Explorer also provided multiple USB ports and power outlets for convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch driver information screen. It did offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium package enhancing audio capabilities.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with a comprehensive suite of safety features including Ford Co-Pilot360 technology. This included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also included a full complement of airbags, stability control, and a blind-spot monitor.