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 windshield wipers were tucked under the hood's lip, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The EX-L model we tested featured perforated leather seats and dual-zone climate control, offering a comfortable and upscale cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared design cues with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model we tested was adorned with chrome accents and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated appearance. The interior mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to the spacious cabin.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, but it still lagged behind competitors offering multiple powertrain options. The HR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a Step-Shift function and offered drive modes like Normal, Snow, and ECON. Despite being fun to drive, it was noticeably noisier at higher speeds.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, came exclusively in a hybrid format with the iForce MAX powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. This setup delivered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road capabilities, while the 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, making it a strong contender for those needing power and versatility.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage. It provided 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly across trims, with the EX-L offering 97.3 cubic feet. Despite a slight reduction in rear-seat legroom, the front row gained more space.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the third row, but the hybrid powertrain's battery pack affected the load floor's flatness. The Sequoia's interior dimensions were competitive, though it lagged behind some rivals in legroom. The Capstone model featured second-row captain's chairs, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment system with a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch display on the EX-L trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions on the EX-L. The HR-V also included a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and an eight-speaker audio system on the EX-L.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the driver-information display was a 12.3-inch full-color screen. The Sequoia included a Panoramic View monitor and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Honda HR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V had not yet been crash-tested for 2023, but the 2022 model received high safety ratings.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite, offering a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Sequoia also included Trailer Merge Warning and optional Tow Technology Package for enhanced safety. While not yet rated, the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.