2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors were a boon in tight parking spaces, making it easier to load toddlers into rear-facing seats without the awkward twisting required in SUVs. The Odyssey also offered a comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpool kids with ease. Its cargo space was unmatched, providing ample room for gear and groceries without the risk of items tumbling out when the liftgate was opened. Despite the limited number of minivans in the market, the Odyssey stood out with its stylish design, particularly in the Touring trim, which featured dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and quality leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was a bold and imposing three-row SUV with a design inspired by the Toyota Tundra. Its interior shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The Sequoia boasted a massive 14-inch infotainment system and a luxurious cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme. However, some interior materials reminded drivers of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each offering different capabilities, from off-road prowess in the TRD Pro to luxury in the Capstone. Despite its rugged appearance, the Sequoia's off-road capabilities were somewhat limited compared to its predecessor, and its ride quality varied depending on the driving mode selected.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 10.4 L/100 km on a varied driving route. While the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain. This setup produced an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 4,137 kilograms, and its fuel efficiency improved to 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. During testing, the Sequoia averaged 13.2 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The hybrid powertrain provided robust power and torque, and the Sequoia offered various driving modes to suit different preferences. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, it featured quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. Its Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, making it easier to tend to children or create a pass-through to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey provided ample cargo space, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. Power-deploying running boards aided entry and exit, while the panoramic glass moonroof added a touch of luxury. However, the second-row captain's chairs did not slide, limiting flexibility for third-row passengers. The Sequoia's cargo space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain, offering only 325 litres behind the third row and up to 2,460 litres with the second-row seats folded. The adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the overall utility was reduced compared to its predecessor.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. It featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. The rear entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display and wireless headphones. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system felt outdated, lacking a larger screen and a tuning knob. The navigation system required specific voice commands and was less intuitive than smartphone-based options.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant. The system allowed for user accounts and simultaneous Bluetooth pairing. However, glare on the display was an issue, and the Intelligent Assistant occasionally struggled with specific commands. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or taking abrupt actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking. The Sequoia's safety systems were generally effective, though the lane-departure warning system's beeping could be irritating. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review, but the Tundra, on which the Sequoia is based, received high marks from the IIHS.