2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The black molding strips on the roof were removed, and the windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood's lip. The test model was showcased in a Nordic Forest Pearl colour, adding to its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V's interior echoed the refinement trend set by the 2022 Civic, featuring a metal honeycomb grille that concealed the vents, touch-sensitive lights, and a sculptural centre console. The EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring chrome accents and presented in Celestial Silver. Inside, the Sequoia's resemblance to the Tundra was evident, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical dials for climate control. The Capstone trim offered semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim. The Sequoia's interior was spacious, with power-adjustable front seats across the lineup. The vehicle's design prioritized functionality, with features like a power-tilt and -slide moonroof and a spacious centre console.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, marking an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) featured a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available by adjusting the shifter. The vehicle's new front and independent rear suspensions, along with widened tracks, enhanced its driving dynamics, making it enjoyable on mountain roads. However, it lacked the powertrain options available in competitors like the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. This setup delivered 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The vehicle featured a part-time 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-ready features like an off-road suspension and electronic locking rear differential. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with available towing-related upgrades.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior despite its compact size. The centre console featured a shelf for drive mode controls and USB ports, providing convenient storage options. The HR-V's fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive, with 691 litres behind the rear seats and 1,559 litres with them folded. The second-generation HR-V introduced a new hinge for the 60/40 split rear seats, allowing for a higher seating position and a nearly flat load floor when folded. Passenger volume varied across trims, with the EX-L interior growing slightly.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility. The interior offered a maximum of 2,460 litres of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. The third-row seats, positioned above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, did not create a flat load floor when folded. Headroom was slightly reduced, and legroom varied across rows, with the Sequoia trailing some rivals in this aspect. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing ample width but lacking bolstering for support.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style touchscreen for its infotainment system, with physical knobs for power and volume. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup, with wireless versions available on the EX-L trim. The EX-L also offered a 9-inch infotainment display, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. Standard features included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a comprehensive array of technology features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality, and the driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch unit. The Panoramic View monitor and a 10-inch colour head-up display were standard on higher trims, enhancing visibility and convenience. The Sequoia also offered a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on select trims.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard across all trims. This suite featured adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New additions for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, though it had not yet been rated by the NHTSA.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety features as standard. This included a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.