2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota RAV4
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, safety, and overall value.
Choose the 2022 Honda Odyssey if:
- You need a family-friendly vehicle with easy access and flexible seating arrangements.
- You prioritize interior comfort and substantial cargo space.
- You want advanced safety features and a high safety rating.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
- You prefer a rugged, SUV-like exterior design.
- You value off-road capabilities with models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road.
- You want a vehicle with a high level of standard safety features.
Overview | |
MSRP$26,350 | MSRP$33,040 |
Average price$27,106 | Average price$34,281 |
Listings3151 | Listings851 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Toyota RAV4 Reviews SummarySince its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | |
2022 Honda Odyssey Reviews SummaryIf you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury. In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Torque | Torque262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City19 |
MPG Highway35 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space37.6 cu ft | Cargo Space32.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3370 lbs | Curb Weight4398 lbs |
Height67.0 in | Height68.3 in |
Length180.9 in | Length205.2 in |
Width73.0 in | Width78.5 in |
Wheelbase105.9 in | Wheelbase118.1 in |
Maximum Payload1240 lbs | Maximum Payload1621 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Honda Odyssey scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 is the recommended choice, offering a better balance of performance, safety, and overall value.
Choose the 2022 Honda Odyssey if:
Shop Now- You need a family-friendly vehicle with easy access and flexible seating arrangements.
- You prioritize interior comfort and substantial cargo space.
- You want advanced safety features and a high safety rating.
Choose the 2021 Toyota RAV4 if:
Shop Now- You prefer a rugged, SUV-like exterior design.
- You value off-road capabilities with models like the Adventure and TRD Off-Road.
- You want a vehicle with a high level of standard safety features.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,350 | $33,040 |
Average price | $27,106 | $34,281 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Since its launch in 1997, the Toyota RAV4 has ridden a wave of crossover SUV popularity to become one of Toyota’s bestselling models. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation RAV4 tries to offer the rugged style of a traditional SUV, but underneath it’s still a car-based crossover pitched against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it’s only in its third model year, this fifth-generation RAV4 doesn’t get many updates for 2021. The biggest news is the addition of the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid to the lineup, but that model actually went on sale last year. The only other changes are a new XLE Premium trim level for the RAV4 Hybrid, and a new front stainless steel front skid plate for the gasoline RAV4 TRD Off-Road model. Toyota offers compact SUV buyers more choices than most competitors. The RAV4 LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited trim levels are available with hybrid and non-hybrid powertrains. Toyota also offers the gasoline-only RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trim levels, plus the RAV4 Hybrid XSE. The RAV4 Prime is also available in two trim levels—SE and XSE. We’ve covered the RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime in separate reviews, so this review will focus on the gasoline RAV4. Our test car was a RAV4 TRD Off-Road, which joined the lineup for the 2020 model year and is the first RAV4 model tuned by Toyota Racing Development, the automaker’s North American performance division. | If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury. In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
MPG City | 28 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 3.5L 280 hp V6 |
Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 19 |
MPG Highway | 35 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 37.6 cu ft | 32.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3370 lbs | 4398 lbs |
Height | 67.0 in | 68.3 in |
Length | 180.9 in | 205.2 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 78.5 in |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in | 118.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1240 lbs | 1621 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of a traditional SUV, with boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end. This aggressive styling set it apart from previous RAV4 generations and most other compact crossovers. Despite its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna. The interior included functional touches such as large rubberized knobs and door handles, but material quality did not elevate with higher trims.
In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a more family-friendly design with wide-opening doors and a lower stance for easier access. The Elite trim level featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage spaces and the innovative Magic Slide second-row seats for flexible seating arrangements. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was substantial, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine achieved 40% thermal efficiency, a level typically found in racing engines, and delivered impressive output for a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. However, the transmission was slow to shift, and the steering lacked feel, making the driving experience less dynamic. The RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road models featured off-road enhancements like a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, but the overall driving dynamics were more suited to highway cruising.
The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. 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 combined. The Odyssey excelled in driving character, providing a responsive and enjoyable experience on various road types. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, indicating a need for more robust braking performance.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing good headroom and outward visibility. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, above average but still behind the Honda CR-V. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited.
The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower stance. The Elite trim level included quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior offered numerous storage spaces and the Magic Slide second-row seats for flexible seating arrangements. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was substantial, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch or 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but not particularly advanced, lacking features like a head-up display available on the RAV4 Prime.
The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto starting from the EX trim level. Higher trims included navigation, HondaLink connected services, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technology. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a single 10.2-inch display, but the overall infotainment package was considered outdated compared to rivals. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist.
The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
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