2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

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.