2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic experience with its Heritage Edition trim, celebrating the SUV's 65th anniversary. The standard model, however, came in Magnetic Gray paint with plush Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. From the outside, it resembled a first-generation Toyota Highlander, adorned with giant headlights, taillights, and a chrome-heavy design. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with circa-2005 Lexus design themes, featuring high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the past without the full charm of its heyday.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey presented a more modern and family-friendly design. The minivan's sliding side doors provided convenience, especially in tight parking spaces, and its comfortable third-row seat accommodated additional passengers with ease. The Odyssey's design adhered to the classic minivan ethos, with kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding a touch of style. Inside, the Odyssey boasted quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior layout was open and spacious, with ample storage options and innovative features like the Magic Slide second-row seats, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case provided impressive off-road capabilities. The Land Cruiser's Torsen limited-slip differential and Multi-Terrain Select traction assist ensured optimal performance on various terrains. Despite its off-road prowess, the Land Cruiser's on-road driving experience was refined, with a quiet cabin and smooth handling. However, its fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly above the EPA rating of 14 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While not designed for spirited driving, the Odyssey's handling was responsive and composed, making it enjoyable for daily use. However, the brakes exhibited pedal vibration and audible grumble during extended downhill driving, highlighting a need for improvement in this area.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The cabin featured a four-zone automatic climate control system and 28 air vents, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The second-row bench seat was roomy, while the third-row seat accommodated adults with limited leg support. Cargo space was modest, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and versatile interior, with quality leather and supportive front seats. The minivan's Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for families, allowing easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with ample leg support and foot room. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The Odyssey's interior design prioritized practicality and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was dated, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with limited functionality. It lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system required specific prompts. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was also outdated, offering DVD playback but no streaming capabilities. The 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey's technology package was more comprehensive, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk features, enhancing communication with rear passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system, while simple, offered media playback and HDMI inputs. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the navigation system required specific voice commands.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also included a rear-seat reminder system and optional blind-spot monitoring. While Honda Sensing lacked refinement, the Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, indicating strong safety performance.