2021 Honda Pilot vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the 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 Special Edition trim introduced black 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Black Edition featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents, but its interior design, reminiscent of a minivan, did not favor its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic design, having undergone its last major redesign in 2008. Its exterior featured a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, giving it a timeless look. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 77 inches, a width of 79.9 inches, and a length of 205.1 inches. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and ample space for passengers. The Nightshade Special Edition added modern touches with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and handling. Fuel-saving features included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined for AWD models. The Pilot's suspension system delivered a comfortable ride and agile handling, although its off-road capability was limited by its 7.3 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, generating 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Sequoia's truck-based design provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight contributed to lower fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for RWD models. Despite its size, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered seating for up to eight people, with comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. The Pilot provided 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 83.9 cubic feet with all seats down. Storage solutions were abundant, with compartments throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The cargo area offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows down. The Sequoia's interior featured ample storage options, including a large center console and door pockets.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims added features like wireless phone charging, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system and a Cabin Talk feature for communication with rear passengers. However, the infotainment system's small screen and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, it featured modern LED lighting and a rear backup camera.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and high scores from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" rating for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, providing comprehensive protection for occupants.