2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 added 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 the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner retained its rugged, truck-based construction, a nod to its roots in the 1980s SUV craze. Unlike many modern SUVs that have evolved to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its relationship with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This design choice allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. The 4Runner's high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper were designed for tackling obstacles. Inside, the dash layout was reminiscent of the late-2000s, reflecting the vehicle's last full redesign in 2009. The 4Runner was available in several trims: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each offering a range of features from basic amenities to off-road enhancements. The test vehicle, a Trail Special Edition, featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels, a unique monotone paint scheme, a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, and a sliding rear cargo deck with under-floor storage.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, a disadvantage in snowy regions. 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 yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine could power either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and a rough suspension. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential for enhanced off-road capability. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers but less than compact pickups.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable and included inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume, which was inconvenient.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row model provided 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The third-row seat was optional on select trims, increasing seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access to the cargo area. The cabin design was dated, with less efficient use of space compared to modern SUVs, but it still offered plenty of storage for gear.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey 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 navigation, HondaLink subscription services, 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 Odyssey also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and multiple USB ports. While the screen size could not be upgraded, navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system were available. The infotainment system was straightforward, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation, especially useful when wearing gloves. Although it lacked advanced features like a head-up display, the system covered the tech basics and was appreciated for its simplicity.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features for 2021, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. This suite included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey also featured LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. The EX trim and above added a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, featuring forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system were available. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars in frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA and three stars in rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.