2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2024 Toyota Sequoia

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid presented a more affordable option for those seeking an electrified SUV, with the EX-L Hybrid trim starting at $48,909, including destination and other fees. Its exterior featured sporty black 18-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, though the interior remained basic. The Touring Hybrid, priced at $50,909, was the top-tier model, showcasing a sophisticated cabin with leather seats, orange contrast stitching, and a Canyon River Blue paint job. Despite its conservative styling, the CR-V's design was criticized for its visual weight over the front wheels and tusks framing the lower air intake. However, the rear quarter view offered an upscale appearance with Volvo-like taillights and tidy design.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform and several design cues with the Tundra pickup, including hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The Capstone model, tested in Celestial Silver, featured more chrome brightwork, giving it a somewhat dated appearance. The Sequoia's interior closely resembled the Tundra's, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for climate and audio. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while the base SR5 TRD Offroad trim came with SofTex leatherette seating. The Sequoia offered power-adjustable front seats across the lineup and a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, enhancing its appeal.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a fourth-generation two-motor hybrid drive system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup delivered 204 horsepower to all four wheels, providing a relatively quiet and compliant ride. However, the CR-V Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 8.7 L/100 km on a mountainous testing loop compared to the anticipated 6.4 L/100 km. Despite its predictable handling and impressive grip, the CR-V Hybrid lacked the off-road capability and driving excitement some consumers might seek.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, exclusively available in hybrid format, utilized the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving power and fuel economy over its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia's 4WD system included a selector for 4Hi, 4Lo, and 2WD, with TRD Pro models featuring additional off-road capabilities. The Sequoia's towing capacity reached 4,137 kilograms, with several towing-related upgrades available. Its on-road handling was adequate, and the 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in form and function, offering quality materials, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating. The 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided excellent support, while heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel enhanced comfort. The CR-V's wide rear doors and roomy back seat made it ideal for families, with generous legroom and adjustable backrest angles. The cargo area offered 1,028 litres of space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter passengers. Its cargo space reached a maximum of 2,460 litres with both second- and third-row seats folded. However, the third-row seats' positioning above the hybrid powertrain's battery pack reduced headroom and created an uneven load floor. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs, available on higher trims, lacked bolstering, while legroom measurements placed it behind some rivals.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid came equipped with a 9-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring trim added navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the voice recognition system was basic, the CR-V Hybrid's walk-away automatic locking feature provided peace of mind.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim boasted a 14-inch touchscreen, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12.3-inch driver information display. The Panoramic View monitor and 10-inch head-up display were standard on higher trims, while the 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on the Limited and standard on Platinum and Capstone trims. The infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashiness, ensuring ease of use.

The 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid included the Honda Sensing suite, featuring forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia offered the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking were also standard. The Sequoia had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.