2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic exterior with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized features seen in many modern SUVs. Its 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. The interior, however, felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a market where larger, more advanced displays were becoming the norm. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. The fourth-generation Pilot was larger than its predecessor, with an 8.6 cm increase in length, up to 3.8 cm in width, and 2 cm in height. The TrailSport model, in particular, embraced its off-road capabilities with a taller ride height, unique wheels, and underbody skid plates. Inside, the Pilot offered a more conventional yet functional design, with materials that met the elevated standards of its class. The interior was spacious and versatile, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The Pilot's emphasis on function over form resulted in a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic that appealed to families seeking both comfort and adventure.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft 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 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its hefty weight of approximately 2,721.5 kg, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Pilot came standard with Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, and its power delivery was smooth, though not particularly thrilling. The SUV was tuned for comfort, with light steering effort and a soft brake pedal, making it ideal for family use. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg, making it a versatile choice for families seeking both on-road comfort and off-road adventure.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The cargo area was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat. The Sequoia's interior storage options included a large centre console, glove compartment, and door pockets, catering to families on the go.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a dash shelf for the front passenger and a seven-inch or nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, depending on the trim. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a large rubberized shelf, cupholders, and a wide centre console bin. The standout feature was the stowable second-row centre seat, providing a pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The cargo area provided 635 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,685 or 1,702 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,219 litres behind the front seats. A power tailgate was standard, with hands-free operation on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology was somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Sequoia's exterior lighting was fully LED, and it featured a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Honda Pilot offered a more advanced technology suite, with a larger touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim included USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, a head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, and Bose premium audio.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic-jam assist, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The Pilot's advanced safety features functioned smoothly, providing confidence on the road.