2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern with a facelift in 2018, still showed its age. The subtle updates to the headlights and grille were overshadowed by its large, imposing silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a massive, multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash, and while the cabin offered ample space, the front seats were bulky, limiting headroom for taller drivers. However, the second-row seats provided generous headroom and legroom, and all seats were comfortable and supportive. The Sequoia was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinum, each offering various features and enhancements.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was typical of compact crossovers, with styling that blended into the competitive market. While the exterior didn't stand out, the CR-V offered a few distinguishing details like its grille and chromed plastic features. The color palette was limited, with more vibrant options reserved for higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seats and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. The CR-V's interior was practical, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped manage body roll in corners, but its older platform and transmission limited its fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. While not the most thrilling to drive, the CR-V was reliable and predictable.

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 rear seats folded. This was slightly less than some competitors but still impressive. The Sequoia featured a power-retractable rear window, a unique and practical feature for accessing the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a large center console.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a hands-free power tailgate. The CR-V's interior was practical, with charging ports throughout the cabin and roof rails standard only on the top-tier Touring trim. The CR-V's design focused on comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with simple menus and large hard buttons. Our test model included a larger 9-inch screen, which still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's technology was dated but straightforward, offering essential connectivity features.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity. However, other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also included multiple charging ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim. The Touring trim was the only one with a satellite navigation system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. However, it lacked more advanced tech like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA rollover test but was not rated in other crash tests.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, with standard safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The blind spot monitoring system was standard from the EX trim upwards.