2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in a crowd with its distinctive styling. It featured wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile was accentuated by a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and the taillights had a Lexus-like appearance. The Highlander looked longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim level, which added a more aggressive front end, 20-inch wheels with black accents, and a unique front fascia and lower spoiler. The test vehicle, a Limited trim, featured chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale appearance. The interior of the Limited trim was noted for its near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats, dark brown trim, and wood details, providing a luxurious feel.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain was identical to the previous year's model, offering smooth and effortless power. The engine featured variable cylinder management, a fuel-saving technology that allowed it to operate on fewer cylinders under certain conditions, resulting in an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a disadvantage in regions with snow and ice. However, it featured 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, did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The Highlander Hybrid was also available as a separate model. The powertrain offered smooth and predictable operation, suitable for merging onto highways but not for winning drag races. The Highlander measured up well against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. The XSE trim added higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, power steering, and a rear stabilizer bar, providing a bit of driving excitement. However, the Highlander tended to lumber through corners due to its soft and comfortable suspension.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, providing comfort with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on trims above the LE. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to maximize space. The third-row seats could accommodate adults if the second-row passengers adjusted their seating. The rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which was a unique placement. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the 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. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across the lineup. The 12.3-inch screen was bright, crisp, and fast, but only certain apps utilized the full width. The JBL audio system sounded good but was not overly impressive. The inclusion of both a volume knob and a tuning knob was a practical touch.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing on all trims. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to award the Odyssey a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander upgraded its safety features to Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.