2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look larger but also increased its dimensions, being 3.4 inches longer, up to 1.5 inches wider, and 0.8 inches taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which gained legitimate off-road parts like a one-inch taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior took a more conventional styling route, remaining attractive, functional, and versatile, with materials quality meeting class expectations. Overall, the new Pilot emphasized function over form without sacrificing attraction.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, featuring design cues like hexagonal grilles and muscular stances. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model showcasing more chrome brightwork. Inside, the Sequoia resembled the Tundra with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim featured semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered various seating materials. The Sequoia provided a power-tilt and -slide moonroof or an upgraded panoramic version, enhancing its interior appeal. Despite its dated appearance, the Sequoia's design offered a blend of ruggedness and sophistication.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the Elite and TrailSport trims. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, with a soft brake pedal for smooth stops. It cornered well for a three-row SUV, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance and added all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured a hybrid powertrain with Toyota’s iForce MAX system, combining a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor. This setup produced 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than its V8 predecessor. The Sequoia achieved 20 mpg combined with four-wheel drive, a notable improvement. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road features like a part-time 4WD system, skid plate, and off-road suspension. The Sequoia's towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with various towing-related upgrades available. Its on-road handling was adequate, with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional compared to other new Honda models, offering 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 provided ample storage options, including a large center console bin and clever features like a stowable second-row center seat. The second row offered plenty of space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity reached 114.3 cubic feet with the second row folded, offering more space than some competitors.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia's Capstone trim included automatic power-deploying running boards for easier access. It offered up to 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom and legroom were slightly compromised, especially in the third row. Second-row captain’s chairs were available on higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. Higher trims included a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and a fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout. Features like Honda's CabinTalk and a premium audio system were available on higher trims, enhancing the Pilot's technological appeal.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia featured standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an 8-inch touchscreen on the SR5 trim and a 14-inch screen on higher trims. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashy graphics. A full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display and a Panoramic View monitor were standard across all trims. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, offering a comprehensive technological package.

The 2023 Honda Pilot had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added low-speed automatic braking and parking sensors. The Pilot's safety features functioned well, with no false alarms during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia came with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Trailer Merge Warning was also standard, extending the blind-spot monitoring area when towing. The Tow Technology Package added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar Tundra received a Top Safety Pick+ designation.