2023 Honda HR-V vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing second generation, maintaining a mature design that had seen only incremental changes over the years. Its exterior design adhered to the principle that "good taste never goes out of style," featuring a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, a width of 2,030 mm, and a length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was more apparent, with a somewhat dated interior design and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. However, the interior was built with typical Toyota quality, featuring tight seams and high-quality materials, ensuring durability for family use.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, presenting a sleeker and more modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sophisticated look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The HR-V's interior followed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that hid the vents and touch-sensitive lights, lending a premium feel. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages. Despite its fastback design, the HR-V maintained good visibility, with larger rear seat windows and a rear windshield.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a maximum towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms resulted in less-than-ideal fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 13.9 on the highway, and 16.4 combined. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust construction and independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The updated CVT included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds, although paddle shifters were no longer available. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode accessible by pulling the shifter back. The new front and fully independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, made the HR-V enjoyable to drive on mountain roads, though it was not overpowered. While the HR-V was quieter than its predecessor, it remained noisier at higher speeds.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. Three-zone climate control catered to all passengers, and a standard power moonroof added to the airy feel. The Sequoia's cargo compartment was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows down. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large centre console and glove compartment.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, being a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports. The HR-V's cargo space measured 691 litres with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded, slightly smaller than the previous model. Despite the loss of the Magic Seat, the HR-V's rear seats provided a higher seating position and a nearly flat floor when folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly across trims, with the EX-L gaining some interior space compared to the previous model.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain advancements like turbocharging or electrification. However, all exterior lighting was LED, and standard safety features included a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical controls for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The HR-V also offered a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch infotainment display on the EX-L, along with a wireless charging pad. Standard features included USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, and remote start, with higher trims adding more advanced audio systems and connectivity options.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with several standard safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system added stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and other safety measures to protect occupants.

The 2023 Honda HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. This suite included adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Additional features like traffic-sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and automatic high-beams were also standard. The HR-V's new single-camera system improved the field of vision, and the safety features were generally unobtrusive during testing.