2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional styling, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials quality meeting elevated class standards. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, enhancing comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring hexagonal grilles, strong fender creases, and a muscular stance. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dash layout, with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while SofTex leatherette was standard on the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing its luxurious feel.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and a pleasant engine hum when pushed. Its brake pedal was soft, suitable for a family SUV, and the vehicle cornered confidently, though it wasn't designed for sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs), and it maintained on-road composure and comfort despite its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, using the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. This setup produced 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved to 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured a part-time 4WD system with a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and the SR5 TRD Off-Road model offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kg (9,121 lbs), with available towing-related upgrades.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, offering a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Touring trim included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience features, with clever solutions like the stowable second-row centre seat and ample cargo space. The third row was less inviting for adults, but the Pilot offered up to 3,219 litres of cargo space with seats folded.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. The Sequoia offered up to 2,460 litres of cargo space with seats folded, though the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row bench seats folded at the push of a button. The Sequoia's legroom was competitive, though it lagged behind some rivals. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, providing wide but flat seating.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim added USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional, with quick responses and a logical layout. Honda's CabinTalk feature allowed communication through the audio system, and the Touring trim included a navigation system and Bose premium audio.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim featured a 14-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality, and the driver information display was a full-colour 12.3-inch screen across all trims. The Panoramic View monitor was standard on higher trims, aiding in maneuvering the large vehicle. The 10-inch colour head-up display was standard on Capstone, and the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on Limited and standard for Platinum and Capstone.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Honda Sensing safety features across all trims. These included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety features as standard on all trims. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. The only optional driver aid was a trailer backup guide with Straight-Path Assist, available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.