2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that balanced elegance and functionality. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, while its substantial dimensions—77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long—emphasized its commanding presence. Despite its dated interior design, the Sequoia's high-quality materials and robust construction ensured durability, making it a reliable choice for families. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly in the Wilderness trim, emphasized practicality and ruggedness. Its exterior, though not conventionally attractive, featured a suspension lift and protective cladding, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a cabin that combined hard plastics and soft surfaces for durability. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, though not cutting-edge, was intuitive and user-friendly. The Wilderness trim's unique features, such as copper-colored accents and a matte-black hood decal, added a distinctive touch to its utilitarian design.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and stable ride, despite the SUV's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's truck-based construction allowed for a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models. The Sequoia excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust suspension and ample ground clearance, making it a capable choice for adventurous families.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked the power of a turbocharged engine, the Forester's CVT and AWD system provided a smooth driving experience. The Wilderness model's enhanced CVT design increased initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester achieved a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg, making it more efficient than the Sequoia. Its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road performance, allowing the Forester to tackle challenging terrains with ease.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with three rows of seating and three-zone climate control. Its cargo space was versatile, 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 Sequoia's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage compartments and power outlets for convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's cargo space was practical, with 28.9 cubic feet available without the panoramic sunroof, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Its upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility for adventure seekers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package available. Despite its lack of modern powertrain technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and a rear backup camera for added convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a more modern infotainment experience, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in base trim and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. The Wilderness model included a navigation system, Harman Kardon audio, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester's technology was user-friendly, with features like PIN Code Access for outdoor activities. Its safety and security subscription plan provided additional peace of mind for drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a comprehensive set of airbags and safety systems, ensuring passenger protection.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.