2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a major redesign in over a decade, making it a familiar sight on the road. While updates had been made over the years, the core design remained largely unchanged, save for some modern infotainment and safety technologies. The 4Runner's appearance was more utilitarian than attractive, with most versions featuring a bold, aggressive front end. Despite this, the two-box body design with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches had aged well, maintaining balanced proportions and a timeless, functional style. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition adding unique features and aesthetics.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a more modern and stylish take on the minivan segment. While it adhered to the classic minivan design ethos, the Odyssey featured kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines that added a touch of flair. The Elite trim level, in particular, stood out with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey's interior was designed with families in mind, offering quality materials, supportive seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The minivan's low ride height and wide-opening doors made it easy to enter and exit, enhancing its practicality for daily use.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This setup powered the rear wheels, with the option to manually shift into 4WD. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to features like A-Trac, a standard off-road traction control system. However, on paved roads, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with a rough ride and heavy steering. Its fuel economy was also a drawback, averaging 16.8 mpg during testing, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel-drive minivan offered a more engaging driving experience compared to its rivals, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. The Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg during testing, aligning with its EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the Odyssey's brakes tended to overheat during extended downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, which could be a concern for drivers in hilly areas.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance made it challenging for shorter individuals to enter, but once inside, passengers found it comfortable. The front and rear seats provided good support, and the back seat offered ample legroom and visibility. The 4Runner's cargo space was generous, with up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Trail Special Edition's sliding cargo deck and large roof rack added to its practicality for outdoor adventures.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey's lower ride height and wide-opening doors made it easy to enter and exit. The Odyssey Elite's interior featured quality leather, supportive seats, and numerous storage options. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, making it easier to access the third row or create a large pass-through. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered impressive cargo space, 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 with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. While the system was functional and easy to use, it lacked the sophistication of more modern setups.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, HondaLink connected services, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but it felt outdated compared to rivals. The Elite trim also included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was less intuitive, and the embedded navigation system was less user-friendly than smartphone-based options.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small overlap frontal-impact protection from the IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was better equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Odyssey also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, the safety systems could be overly sensitive and abrupt. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.