2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to give it a rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a blacked-out look with the 2020 Black Edition, its exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. The new Special Edition trim for 2021 added features like black alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging. The Black Edition, which we tested, featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting, but its black mats were a challenge to clean. The interior, with quality materials and a minivan-like feel, was practical but lacked excitement.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, introduced in 2007 and facelifted in 2018, showed its age despite a new Nightshade Special Edition for 2021. The Sequoia's massive silhouette overshadowed subtle design updates, and its interior felt dated with a mid-2000s dash design and a small 7-inch touchscreen. While the front seats were bulky, the second-row seats offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia was available in six trims, from the entry-level SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, with features like a power moonroof and a 12-speaker audio system. The Nightshade edition we tested included black wheels and leather upholstery, but the overall design felt outdated compared to newer SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, and an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and athletic handling. Fuel-saving measures like variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start contributed to an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission powered either rear-wheel drive or available four-wheel drive with low range. The Sequoia's truck-like driving dynamics, with a soft suspension and strong brakes, appealed to some buyers. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped with cornering, but body roll was noticeable, and its fuel economy was hampered by the older transmission.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered ample space for families, seating up to eight with a second-row bench seat. The test vehicle's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on higher trims, providing comfort and sliding forward for third-row access. The Pilot featured numerous storage solutions, including a large center console and hidden compartments. Cargo space was generous, with 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 83.9 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep door pockets and a massive center console. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided ample storage options, though newer SUVs had improved space utilization.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt power outlet and HDMI port, though kids might prefer using the WiFi for their devices.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, but it still felt small on the large dash. The older system was easy to use, with simple menus and large buttons. The digital trip computer was small but functional, and the Sequoia's simplicity was refreshing despite its dated technology.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. While the system worked, it lacked refinement, and the lane-departure warning's steering wheel wobble was intrusive. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While it lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist, the Sequoia provided a comprehensive list of safety features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA, and it had not been fully crash-tested.