2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, attempted to stay relevant with a facelift in 2018, which included updated headlights and grille. For 2021, it introduced the Nightshade Special Edition, but the overall design remained largely unchanged. The Sequoia's massive size and subtle updates were evident in its imposing silhouette. Inside, the design felt dated, with a multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dashboard, and while the cabin was spacious, the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. However, the second-row seats offered ample space and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition, featuring a blacked-out exterior and sporty appearance. The Ascent offered trims ranging from Base to Touring, with the Onyx Edition positioned in the middle. The interior featured a gray two-tone scheme with StarTex synthetic leather, which was water-repellent but tended to trap sweat. The Ascent's design focused on practicality, with wide rear doors and available captain’s chairs. The panoramic sunroof and ample storage options added to its appeal, though the third-row seats were best suited for children.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 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, though it exhibited some body roll in corners. The Sequoia could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, and it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. The CVT offered smooth acceleration and manual shift control, enhancing driving dynamics. Subaru’s X-Mode and hill descent control provided off-road capability, while the Ascent's suspension and handling made it nimble in urban settings. However, the lane-keeping technology could feel unstable at times.

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. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep door pockets and a large center console for storage.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers, though the third row was best for children. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including a dashboard shelf and large cupholders. The power liftgate and panoramic sunroof added convenience and style.

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 hard buttons for easy navigation. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia's simplicity was appreciated.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink services. While the system was not the latest, it was easy to use. Voice recognition needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo lacked premium sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, offering 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 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. It featured Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, though it struggled in direct sunlight and lacked refinement in adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included LED headlights and optional blind-spot monitoring.