2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle updates from 2018. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the interior design felt dated with its mid-2000s multi-tiered dash and small 7-inch touchscreen. The cabin was spacious, though the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. The second row offered ample space, and the seats were comfortable across the board. The Sequoia came in various trims, each adding unique features, from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a fresh redesign with a focus on simplicity and refinement. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. It offered more passenger and cargo space, with a cozy interior feel. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel. The NX's minimalist dashboard, while modern, integrated many functions into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly. The NX provided a comfortable ride with thoughtful touches like padded panels and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. The Sequoia's acceleration was strong, but its fuel economy lagged due to the older transmission. It drove like a truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, offering a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h hybrid producing 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivering 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport provided a dynamic driving experience with adaptive suspension and multiple driving modes. The NX's handling was impressive, though it had more road noise than expected. It wasn't designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. It featured a power-retractable rear window for easy access. The Sequoia had ample storage options, though newer SUVs offered better space utilization.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed a 14% increase in cargo space, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The interior was comfortable, with heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. The NX provided practical storage and thoughtful design elements, enhancing passenger comfort.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with physical buttons for easy navigation. However, the technology felt outdated compared to modern standards.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant technological advancements with the new Lexus Interface. It featured a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and voice recognition. The NX offered a 10-speaker sound system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system. The new tech was impressive, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, with features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist and scored four stars in the NHTSA rollover test.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It included standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional safety features available in higher trims.