2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota 4Runner

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was characterized by its tall slab sides, high beltline, and short overhangs, contributing to its timeless and utilitarian design. Its flared wheel wells were specifically designed to accommodate off-road tires, while the short overhangs allowed it to tackle steep terrains. Despite its rugged appearance, the hood scoop was one of the few non-functional elements. The 4Runner's trim lineup included various options, with the Limited trim focusing more on comfort, featuring leather upholstery and an 8-inch touchscreen. However, the interior still retained a utilitarian feel with plenty of plastic, and the seating position was more suited for off-road adventures than highway cruising.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor tweaks for modernization, such as a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights, and new wheel designs for the top trims. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with the Elite trim providing a luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a focus on storage and seating flexibility. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, enhancing its versatility. The third-row seats were spacious, and the cargo area offered ample space, although removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4-liter V6 engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This setup was not known for smoothness or efficiency, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The 4Runner excelled in off-road performance, thanks to its body-on-frame construction and advanced traction systems like CRAWL control and Multi-Terrain Select. However, on-road driving revealed significant body roll and vague steering. The 4Runner's towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, but its real value lay in its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, and our testing loop averaged 21.8 mpg. While AWD was unavailable, the Odyssey's FWD setup was complemented by a new electronic brake booster for improved brake feel. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for improvement.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner offered excellent outward visibility and a relatively tight turning radius of 18 feet, 7 inches. The interior featured large, easy-to-use controls, although the steering-wheel buttons were not illuminated. The tall seating position provided a commanding view, but entry and exit could be challenging without power-retractable running boards. The optional third-row seats were best suited for short and occasional use, lacking legroom and comfort compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey boasted legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage space. The driver's seat was comfortable and adjustable, while the second-row Magic Slide seats offered flexibility in seating arrangements. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably, and the cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 144.9 cubic feet. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo capacity was inconvenient.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. While the system was user-friendly, the onboard navigation was less efficient than smartphone apps. The 4Runner also offered Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, and various subscription services. However, it lagged behind competitors in terms of total features and usability.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity features. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional services, but the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system was not touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2020 Toyota 4Runner came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also featured eight standard airbags. The NHTSA awarded it four out of five stars overall, with a three-star rating in the rollover test. The IIHS gave it a Good rating in most crash tests, except for a Marginal score in the small overlap front: driver-side test.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star score in rollover resistance. The IIHS ratings were expected to carry over, with improvements in headlight performance.