2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna represented the third generation of this well-established minivan line. Introduced for the 2011 model year, it received an update in 2018 to include newer infotainment tech and other minor changes. However, even with these updates, the 2020 Sienna managed to feel dated. Occasionally, the Sienna offered an upscale appearance but overall, it retained a somewhat antiquated look. A noticeable resounding hollow “thud” when slamming either of the front doors wasn’t reassuring regarding its build quality. The instrument panel also seemed to have come straight out of Toyota’s 2010 parts bin; despite the simplicity aiding ease of use, it still indicated the model's age.

The Sienna was available in a range of trims: L, LE, SE, SE Premium, XLE, XLE Premium, Limited, and Limited Premium. The base L trim came equipped with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, three-zone climate control, five USB ports, three 12-volt outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay—a much-needed addition.

The LE trim included dual power sliding doors, black roof rails, a rear bumper protector, and easy-clean upholstery, ideal for families with young children. For shoppers aiming for a mid-range trim, CarGurus recommended the SE, which came with 19-inch alloy wheels, a mesh grille, fog lights, sport instrumentation, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. The SE also featured a critical power rear liftgate. The SE Premium further added chrome-accented handles, a power moonroof, and a DVD entertainment system.

For those seeking luxury, the Limited trim added leather front seats, leatherette second- and third-row seats, a heated steering wheel, JBL premium audio system, and a navigation system. The top-of-the-line Limited Premium included HID headlights and rain-sensing wipers along with the DVD entertainment system. Additionally, the Nightshade Edition provided a “cool” look with a variety of dark accents, exclusively available on SE and SE Premium trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar yet updated look. The subtle redesign included a new grille, front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna's dash-mounted shifter had a Sport mode to enhance throttle and shift response. In normal Drive mode, the Sienna provided strong acceleration, and sport mode assisted overtaking on highways. There was also a manual mode, seldom used, aimed at helping with the Sienna's 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Standardly routing power to the front wheels, the Sienna offered an option for AWD across all trims but the base L. This AWD configuration, available only with the 7-passenger configuration, might have required sacrificing 8-passenger seating, but for many buyers, the added benefits of AWD outweighed this tradeoff. Fuel economy for the FWD Sienna was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The AWD versions delivered slightly lower figures at 18/24/20 mpg. Constant attention was required to keep the van moving straight on highways due to its twitchy steering response.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda Odyssey also featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine but coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission producing 280 horsepower. Equipped with driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, the Odyssey did not support AWD, potentially making it less appealing in snowy or icy regions compared to its AWD competitors. The V6 engine with variable cylinder management aimed to enhance fuel efficiency, yielding an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, and we observed a near match at 21.8 mpg.

Honda introduced a new electronic brake booster for 2021, which enhanced brake pedal feel and response, supporting the Odyssey's adaptive cruise control. Recognized for pleasurable driving, the Odyssey's ride and handling were rewarding. Yet, under rigorous conditions like a heatwave, the brakes showed vulnerability, calling for a possible upgrade for sustained heavy usage.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity with an impressive 150 cubic feet of space, outstripping rivals like the Honda Odyssey, which had 144.9 cubic feet. This class-leading number meant owners had to remove the second-row seats completely, especially if equipped with a bench, presenting a bit of a hassle. However, its third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, and Toyota's offering of Auto Access Seats made mobility access affordable and straightforward.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda Odyssey offered practical and versatile interior solutions. Featuring a thoughtful design, its Magic Slide second-row seat system allowed various configurations to meet passenger and cargo needs. The Odyssey provided comfortable seating for all passengers with additional features such as a 12-way power-adjustable driver seat in all but the LX trim and standard heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim. Cargo space behind the third-row seat offered 32.8 cubic feet, expandable to 88.8 cubic feet by folding the third row, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, supporting Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Despite these features, the lack of larger screen options even for higher trims was noted. Our Limited test model boasted additional features like navigation and a JBL premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the rear speakers, aiding in managing the often chaotic car atmosphere.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey introduced an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting with the EX trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, text-messaging support, and basic HondaLink connectivity. Touring and Elite trims added advanced features like navigation, WiFi capability, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk PA system, allowing simultaneous use with CabinWatch for improved communication with rear passengers. Elite trim notably included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the absence of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology stood out as drawbacks.

Safety was a crucial focus for both models. The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured twitchy steering but came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite. It included lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning and avoidance, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA and top scores in multiple IIHS crash tests.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey upgraded its safety with the Honda Sensing suite becoming standard across all trims. It added low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and launching a new improved brake booster. With expected top ratings and added enhancements, the Odyssey aimed for a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS, retaining its four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.