2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal, traditionally not known for its style. With an SUV-like appearance, the Sienna featured a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays, giving it a modern look. The side profile was assertive, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted body line, enhancing its visual appeal. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches complemented the design, while the rear maintained a wide and low stance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a comfortable seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The interior was thoughtfully designed with a bridge-like center console, ample storage, and quality materials, ensuring a pleasant experience for all passengers.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, while not as stylish as some competitors, still offered a sense of style within the minivan category. Its design adhered to the classic minivan proportions, with kinked sliding doors creating dramatic character lines. The Elite trim featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Odyssey provided a classic open-concept design with a low console and ample storage. The center stack, though cluttered, was user-friendly, with commonly used functions easily accessible. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, making the Odyssey feel open and airy.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first foray into hybrid minivans, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter utilizing a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, slightly dulled throttle response. Despite this, the Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, providing a comfortable ride. Its standout feature was its impressive fuel economy, achieving 36 mpg in both city and highway driving for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls and was available only in front-wheel drive. While lacking hybrid or AWD options, the Odyssey offered a more engaging driving experience compared to its hybrid competitors. It achieved an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. During testing, the Odyssey demonstrated quick acceleration and responsive handling, though its brakes showed signs of strain during extended use. Overall, the Odyssey provided a delightful driving experience, but its fuel efficiency lagged behind hybrid rivals.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience and functionality, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that easily stored into the floor. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin boasted 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies, catering to passengers' needs. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, accommodating a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear tailgate added to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats offered flexibility, allowing for various configurations to suit passenger and cargo needs. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with ample leg support and foot room. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats provided a substantial 144.9 cubic feet of cargo space, though the seats were heavy and cumbersome to reinstall.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a nine-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. It included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display and, in Platinum trim, a 10-inch Head-Up Display. A digital rearview mirror was available on Limited and Platinum models, enhancing visibility when the cabin was full.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite came with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Navigation and HondaLink connected services were available on Touring trim and above. The Odyssey featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, though it was considered outdated compared to competitors. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. Overall, the Odyssey's infotainment system was functional but lagged behind rivals in terms of modern features and ease of use.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also featured the Star Safety System, 10 airbags, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Sienna had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA for 2021, but the 2020 model received favorable ratings.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on EX trim and above. The Odyssey received a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, though some safety features lacked refinement in real-world use.