2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a price range from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, priced at $58,806 with a destination charge, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. While the interior boasted quality materials, the design felt reminiscent of a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, maintained a mature design with modest grilles and elegant wheel arches. Its dimensions emphasized its size, with a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm. The Sequoia's interior, though spacious, appeared dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability, making it suitable for families.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot featured Intelligent Traction Management with modes for various terrains and achieved a fuel consumption of 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offered a comfortable ride and agile handling, though its off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, provided a robust and reliable performance. The Sequoia's truck-based design allowed for a payload capacity of 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight contributed to higher fuel consumption, with ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 16.4 combined. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a stable and smooth ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its suspension system.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, with seating for up to eight people. The test vehicle featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment options. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard on Black Edition models, providing comfort and easy access to the third row. The Pilot boasted numerous storage solutions, including a large centre console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and standard three-zone climate control. The interior featured a power moonroof, heated front seats, and ample storage options. The cargo area included a 12-volt outlet and offered 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 3,401 litres with seats folded. The Sequoia's design catered to families, providing convenience and functionality for various activities.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. Higher trims included navigation, wireless phone charging, and a premium audio system. The system was functional but lacked some modern features, such as a tuning knob and advanced voice recognition. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing the in-car experience for families.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic operating system. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL premium audio system. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated its exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, though some areas had room for improvement.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, offering features like pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also included the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. These features contributed to the Sequoia's safety, despite its lack of official ratings.