2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was often recommended for families due to its practical features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load toddlers into rear-facing child seats, and its comfortable third-row seat accommodated additional passengers like grandparents or carpool kids. The Odyssey also offered significant cargo space, rivaling that of a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded down and the second-row seats were removed. Despite its practical design, the Odyssey had a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, retained its rugged, truck-based roots, appealing to those who ventured off-road. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its adventurous spirit. Inside, the 4Runner's design was functional but dated, reflecting its last redesign in 2009. The 4Runner offered various trims, each catering to different needs, from the road-oriented TRD Sport to the off-road-ready TRD Pro. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added more advanced off-road capabilities and luxury features.

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. It was front-wheel drive only, with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While it was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, the brakes tended to overheat on long downhill stretches, leading to pedal vibration and an audible grumble.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a 4.0-liter V6 engine generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or available 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with significant body roll and jostling over bumps. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing rocks and bumps. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included features like Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. 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, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner offered a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The three-row version provided 88.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, with 46.3 cubic feet behind the second row and just 9 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-open/close rear window for easy access. While the cabin was not as spacious or efficiently packaged as more modern SUVs, it provided adequate storage for gear.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto starting with the EX trim. The Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi hotspot access, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technology. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated. The Elite trim also featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was seen as underwhelming and in need of an upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered navigation, HD radio, and a 15-speaker JBL premium audio system. While the infotainment system was basic compared to more advanced systems on the market, it was straightforward and relied on tactile controls, which were appreciated by some drivers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard 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. It also featured 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. However, some of the safety features lacked refinement and could respond too sharply or abruptly.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense suite, with forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner earned four out of five stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, and three stars for rollover testing. It had not been evaluated by the IIHS.