2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia presented a bold and commanding presence with its redesigned three-row SUV structure, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Tundra pickup truck. Its exterior styling was a blend of traditional SUV elements and modern creases, offering a more substantial look than its predecessor. Inside, the Sequoia shared many design cues with the Tundra, featuring an industrial theme with upscale touches of leather, wood, and metallic finishes, especially in the Capstone trim. The interior was dominated by a large 14-inch infotainment system, although some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia lineup included various trims, each catering to different preferences, from off-road capabilities to luxury features.

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The new design featured a lowered beltline and simplified detailing, resulting in a sleeker look with cleaner lines. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, offering a comfortable cabin with new seats and a range of features depending on the trim level. The EX-L trim, in particular, provided perforated leather seats and a refined interior reminiscent of the 2022 Civic. Despite its compact size, the HR-V managed to offer a spacious feel, with improved visibility and a well-organized layout.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor/generator. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, significantly enhancing its towing capacity to 4,137 kilograms. The Sequoia also boasted improved fuel efficiency, with a rating of 11.7 L/100 km in combined driving. Various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. However, the Sequoia's steering was noted to be slow, and the regenerative braking system could feel unresponsive at times.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more engaging driving experience. While the HR-V was fun to drive on mountain roads, it was not overpowered, and the cabin was noted to be noisier at higher speeds. The HR-V's suspension and widened tracks contributed to its enjoyable handling.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with features like soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. However, the Sequoia's interior space was compromised by its hybrid powertrain, resulting in reduced cargo capacity compared to its predecessor. The third-row seats were less comfortable, and the cargo area was smaller than its segment rivals. Despite these limitations, the Sequoia provided ample passenger space and a range of convenience features.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, being a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a focus on maximizing space. The centre console was cleverly designed, and the HR-V provided ample cargo capacity, although slightly reduced from the previous model. The rear seats featured a new hinge design for easier entry and egress, and the overall passenger volume was competitive for its class. The HR-V's interior was comfortable and practical, with thoughtful touches that enhanced the overall experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen available on most trims. The system was intuitive and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Capstone trim offered additional features like a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system. However, some issues with the Intelligent Assistant and display glare were noted during testing.

The 2023 Honda HR-V's infotainment system was updated with a tablet-style touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across all trims. The EX-L trim featured a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V's technology package included a digital gauge cluster, multiple USB ports, and a range of audio system options, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features as standard. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sequoia's safety features were praised for their effectiveness and unobtrusiveness.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering a wide range of advanced driver assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a collision-mitigation braking system. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.