2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding. However, the cabin's mix of quality materials sometimes revealed its base trim origins.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, with its bold styling inspired by the Toyota Tundra, presented a more commanding presence than its predecessor. The Capstone trim level featured an industrial-themed interior with leather, wood, and metallic finishes, dominated by a 14-inch infotainment system. Prices for the Sequoia ranged from $59,895 for the base SR5 to $79,895 for the Capstone with 4WD, including a $1,595 destination charge. While the Capstone looked luxurious, some materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck roots. The Sequoia's off-road capabilities were less impressive than the previous model, but the TRD Pro trim offered enhanced features for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD available. It had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and achieved up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, delivered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with a maximum of 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg, offering robust power and satisfying acceleration.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack, producing 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It could tow up to 9,520 pounds, significantly more than the previous model's 7,400 pounds. The new Sequoia was more fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg with 4WD and 22 mpg with RWD. The Capstone 4WD test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg. The Sequoia offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The adaptive rear air suspension altered ride and handling traits, but the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. The Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, practical storage space within the cabin was limited.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, with comfortable front seats, a JBL premium sound system, and triple-zone climate control. The Sequoia's second-row captain’s chairs did not slide, limiting third-row space. The third-row seat was mounted above the battery pack, resulting in a high floor and low roof. Cargo space was limited to 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Sequoia's hybrid powertrain compromised overall utility, offering less cargo space than its predecessor and segment rivals.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less advanced than the newer Sync 4 technology, and the larger touchscreen felt like an afterthought.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came with a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the base SR5 and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services for user accounts and an Intelligent Assistant. The Capstone trim featured a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, the system had some bugs, and the display was prone to glare.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Explorer's safety features operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included all driver-assistance features as standard, bundled into Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This package offered forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. While crash-test ratings were not available, the Tundra's high IIHS rating suggested good safety performance for the Sequoia.