2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern, showed its age with a design that dated back to 2007. The 2018 facelift brought minor updates to the headlights and grille, but the overall look remained largely unchanged. The introduction of the Nightshade Special Edition in 2021 added some flair, but the Sequoia's massive silhouette and outdated interior design, with its multi-tiered center dash and small 7-inch touchscreen, felt reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The cabin, while spacious, had bulky front seats that limited headroom for taller drivers, though the second row offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum, each offering various features and packages to suit different needs.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a product of a 2019 redesign, presented a more contemporary and sophisticated appearance. Its exterior design, while not immediately distinctive, revealed thoughtful details upon closer inspection, such as angular wheel arches and expressive headlights. The interior boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and a well-placed touchscreen interface, enhancing the overall quality feel. The RAV4's design cues, including a geometric pattern throughout the cabin, added a modern touch. The Adventure-trim test vehicle featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, further emphasizing its stylish and functional design.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration despite the Sequoia's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The transmission, while somewhat outdated compared to modern multi-speed options, contributed to a powerful driving experience, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Sequoia's truck-like driving dynamics, characterized by a soft suspension and strong brakes, appealed to those who appreciated a pickup-like feel in an SUV. However, its towing capacity of 7,400 pounds lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a choice of three powertrains, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and responsive performance. The RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime models offered enhanced power and efficiency, with the Prime boasting 302 horsepower and the ability to run on electricity alone for up to 42 miles. The RAV4's car-like handling, aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, made it a popular choice for a wide range of drivers. Its towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia's standout feature was its spacious cabin, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While the Sequoia's front-row space could have been better utilized, it still provided ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a massive center console. The power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area without fully opening the hatch.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while classified as a small SUV, offered a generous 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. Its payload capacity ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration. The RAV4's interior was roomy and comfortable for four adults, with plenty of storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a spacious center console. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. While the system was easy to use, it felt outdated compared to modern offerings. The test model's larger 9-inch screen still appeared small on the expansive dash, but the simplicity of the system was appreciated.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a more advanced technology suite, with standard features including a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and smartphone integration. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased additional technology, such as multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a wireless charging pad. The available bird’s-eye view camera system and head-up display further enhanced the RAV4's tech offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked some advanced features like lane-keeping assist, it provided a comprehensive set of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a wide range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.