2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtle yet refined, with a few updates from its previous model. The tailgate glass was slightly more slanted, and the body panels featured more pronounced creases, giving it a modern touch. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. Higher trims boasted projector-beam LED headlights and fog lights, with LED running lamps exclusive to the Limited and Platinum trims. The interior was where the Highlander truly shone, with quality fit and finish. Silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash with an 8-inch touchscreen created a sophisticated cabin environment. The color palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a luxurious three-tone interior. The Highlander's interior quality was unmatched by most competitors, except perhaps the Kia Telluride.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights, gave it a refreshed look. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The Elite trim, which we tested, featured perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its upscale feel. The Odyssey's interior was spacious and functional, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a Magic Slide second-row seat layout. The third-row seats were accommodating for both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements for 2021.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, although it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The AWD version was slightly less efficient, while the hybrid variant offered up to 36 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain was smooth and efficient, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel economy. 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, enhancing brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were excellent, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seat heights. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and two shelves integrated into the dash. Controls were simple and legible, with an intuitive infotainment interface.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided a spacious and functional interior, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a Magic Slide second-row seat layout. The third-row seats were accommodating for both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements for 2021. The Odyssey's interior featured logical controls and ample storage, although the wireless smartphone charger took up space on the center console's top tray.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was limited in its usability, with climate and fuel economy information always present. However, the Highlander offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and the optional JBL audio system was decent. Safety Connect and factory navigation with traffic data were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's infotainment system, starting with the EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered various features, including remote operation and personal assistant access. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and several streaming apps, although it was not a touchscreen.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS for its crash test performance and emergency braking capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, although the adaptive cruise control could be smoother. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its impressive IIHS ratings, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for most assessments.