2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was marked by a few unique features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic accents, but overall, it didn't stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a couple of more vibrant options like blue and red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were noted for offering more distinctive styling, particularly in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic and mature design, having been in its second generation for 14 years. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's design was considered timeless, with a focus on durability and reliability. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. However, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on longevity, making it suitable for families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower. This powertrain was consistent across all five trims, providing smooth and steady acceleration, though not particularly thrilling. The CR-V's acceleration was measured at around 8 seconds to reach 100 kilometres per hour, which was competitive within its class. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritized efficiency over driving engagement. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX trim and standard on others. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear, offering decent handling and ride quality.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel consumption ratings were high, reflecting its older engine design.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured different tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility for carrying additional cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. The Sequoia's cargo area was versatile, offering 535 litres of space behind the third row and expanding to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded. It also included practical features like a 12-volt outlet in the cargo compartment, making it suitable for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims featured upgraded audio systems, with the Touring trim boasting a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant throughout the cabin, with wireless phone charging available on the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the system's interface was considered clunky. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. Despite its dated infotainment, the Sequoia featured modern LED lighting and standard safety technologies.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, which included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. Its large size and robust construction contributed to a sense of safety, though it lacked the latest safety ratings.