2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, showcased a mature design that remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built with high-quality materials, though it appeared dated compared to modern SUVs, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. The Nightshade Special Edition model added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantial appearance. It grew in size, with a longer, wider, and taller body, perfectly complementing its all-terrain-capable TrailSport model. The interior took a more conventional styling route, focusing on functionality and versatility. Materials quality met class expectations, and the Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a tidy and utilitarian aesthetic. The new design made the Pilot more attractive and practical, appealing to families seeking a modern and capable SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a reliable and durable powertrain. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight contributed to lower fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its heft, the Sequoia provided a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its robust body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured an all-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot offered quick acceleration and a comfortable ride, prioritizing family-friendly driving dynamics. While it didn't encourage sporty driving, the Pilot handled corners confidently and provided a smooth and composed ride. The TrailSport model added off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, making it a versatile choice for adventurous families. The Pilot's steering was light, aiding maneuverability in tight spaces, though it felt somewhat vague on the highway.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia provided ample storage options, including a large center console and glove compartment, along with door pockets and rear passenger cup holders. Its cargo compartment offered 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable 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 flat.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior focused on practicality, with a conventional design that included a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level trims featured a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered clever storage solutions, including a large center console bin and door pockets with cupholders. The standout feature was the stowable second-row center seat, providing a pass-through for third-row access. The Pilot offered generous space in the second row, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. Cargo capacity ranged from 22.4 cubic feet behind the third row to a maximum of 114.3 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. However, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, while a premium audio package offered 14 JBL speakers and a subwoofer. Despite lacking modern powertrain technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2023 Honda Pilot offered a more advanced technology suite, with higher trims featuring a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger. The top Elite trim added a head-up display and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, Bose premium audio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The TrailSport and Elite trims included the multi-view TrailWatch camera system for enhanced off-road awareness.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety in a large SUV. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more, along with a full complement of airbags and child safety features.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with expected top scores from NHTSA. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors, while the TrailSport and Elite included surround-view and multi-view camera systems. The advanced safety features functioned smoothly, providing confidence and peace of mind for drivers.