2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had a rugged and angular design, a departure from its previous soft-roader styling. Its front fascia, reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner, featured stacked, trapezoidal apertures and a perforated grille, giving it a mechanical look. Dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested it was more than just a grocery-getter, capable of off-road adventures. The RAV4 Hybrid came in four trims: LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. LED headlights and taillights were standard, with adaptive headlights available only on the top trim. Inside, the design was simple and functional, with tasteful shiny trim. While leather upholstery was unavailable, the base fabric seats were comfortable, and the interior materials were nice, though not as luxurious as some competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for the new model year. The grille and front bumper were new, and all trims received standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. A new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretched the width of the taillights, and new wheel designs debuted for the top three trims. These changes modernized the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The Elite trim included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels. The Odyssey Elite aimed to serve as the Acura of minivans with its upscale look and feel.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasted 219 horsepower, 16 more than the standard version, and had an impressive combined EPA fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. This fuel economy was consistently achievable in real-world testing. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain combined a 2.5-liter, 176-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, driving all four wheels. The first electric motor delivered up to 118 hp to the front wheels, while the second motor, mounted under the cargo floor, provided 54 hp to the rear wheels. This setup eliminated the need for a heavy driveshaft, making the RAV4 Hybrid only about 200 pounds heavier than the non-hybrid model. The hybrid system provided smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making it quicker to accelerate than the non-hybrid model. The RAV4 Hybrid could tow up to 1,750 pounds and had light steering and a soft suspension, ensuring an easy driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The EPA rated the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg in testing. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid had excellent ergonomics, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) positioned prominently atop the center dashboard. The climate controls were simple and well thought out, and the center console had ample storage space. The RAV4 Hybrid's cabin could be quieter, but it was comfortable for long trips. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably. The hybrid model did not compromise interior or cargo space, providing 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 37.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity, both good numbers for the class.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and plenty of storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers did not complain. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults with ease. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was not enjoyable.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the first time, along with SiriusXM Radio. These features were standard, providing excellent infotainment technology. Toyota's proprietary Entune multimedia software was less appealing than Google Maps or Apple Maps, but the RAV4 Hybrid offered WiFi Connect with a 3-month, 2GB trial. The RAV4 Hybrid had a USB-A port on the dash and additional USB-A charging ports in higher trims. Predictive Efficient Drive improved the hybrid system's efficiency, and drivers could choose between Eco, Sport, Trail, and Normal driving modes.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with various features such as automatic collision notification, remote operation, and personal assistant access. The Odyssey also had a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane-tracing assist, and road-sign assist. It also included a 1-year trial of Safety Connect. Optional safety features included blind spot monitoring and front and rear parking assist with automated braking. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it had two safety recalls for engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey received 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.