2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey had often been recommended for growing families needing more space than a crossover SUV could provide. Its sliding side doors saved parents from backaches when loading toddlers into rear-facing car seats, especially in tight parking spaces. With a legitimately comfortable third-row seat, it welcomed grandparents and additional passengers with plenty of room and a deep cargo well behind the third row to prevent gear from tumbling out.

Though minivans had fallen out of favor due to image concerns, the Odyssey at least attempted a stylish approach. Its kinked sliding doors led to dramatic hockey-stick character lines on the flanks, even though its overall proportions followed a classic minivan design. The Elite trim level, priced at $49,995, featured spiffy dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels contributing to its appeal. Regardless of the trim, every Odyssey version boasted quality materials, fit, and finish, with the Elite trim offering leather upholstery starting from the EX-L.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, redesigned in 2019, threw off its softer, typical crossover styling in favor of a more robust and blocky appearance. The front trapezoidal grille, borrowed from Toyota’s truck line, coupled with beveled and angular bodywork, framed the headlights and added visual heft. The angular theme extended to the multi-tiered dashboard inside, with beveled cutouts adding interest to an otherwise plain surface.

Materials quality in the 2023 RAV4 Hybrid was about average for its class and price, with predominant hard plastics softened by lightly padded touchpoints. Lower trims curiously featured downmarket urethane steering wheels and armrests, which felt rubbery and cheap. Thankfully, higher trims offered leather-covered options. Despite these quirks, the build quality was strong, with no detectable creaks or squeaks when driving over rough pavement.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Driving the front wheels only, it had no all-wheel-drive or hybrid options like its competitors. Consequently, it had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving, while the hybrid Toyota Sienna and plug-in Chrysler Pacifica offered much better fuel efficiency.

Nevertheless, the Odyssey had a spirited driving character. It handled freeways, coastal highways, twisty mountain roads, and city streets well, averaging 22.6 mpg in Southern California. However, repeated use of the brakes, especially when descending hills, led to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, indicating an overworked braking system.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor/generator and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), driving the front wheels. A second electric motor provided all-wheel drive, combining for a total of 219 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds. It was quicker than the standard RAV4 and competitive within its class.

The RAV4 Hybrid’s regenerative braking system initially engaged to charge the battery, transitioning smoothly to physical brakes under more aggressive stops. Its suspension provided a balanced ride, absorbing bumps and potholes effectively, while its confident cornering added to its appeal. Although not sporty, it performed the fundamentals well and should suffice for most drivers.

Entering the 2022 Honda Odyssey was a breeze, thanks to wide-opening doors and its lower stance. Inside the Elite trim, occupants enjoyed quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Practical tri-color floor mats and an onboard vacuum cleaner made clean-up easy.

Storage space was a standout feature, with numerous compartments thoughtfully scattered throughout the cabin. The second-row seats offered commendable comfort and versatility, thanks to the Magic Slide system, enabling easier access to the third row. Adults could comfortably sit in the third row, with generous legroom and decent foot space.

The Odyssey’s cargo capacity was impressive: 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. This impressive volume often matched that of larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s front seats provided ample space for larger passengers, though rear-seat legroom was slightly less than its competitors. However, real-world differences were negligible, although a rear-facing infant seat might require the front seat to be scooted forward. The rear seat cushions were somewhat low, potentially reducing thigh support on long trips for taller passengers.

The RAV4 Hybrid offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, only slightly less than its non-hybrid counterpart. Folding the rear seats flat with the cargo floor provided a practical and spacious loading area. Interior storage was another highlight, including a wide dashboard shelf, a phone tray, large cupholders, and a sizable center armrest bin.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with tech, though its infotainment system lagged behind rivals. Starting with the EX trim, it featured an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, HondaLink connected services, and WiFi hotspot access. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems allowed parental monitoring and communication with rear passengers, while the rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen with various media options.

Despite these features, the Odyssey’s infotainment required an upgrade. The 8-inch screen was small, the virtual buttons needed improvement, and voice recognition was limited. Connecting via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was more reliable than using the native navigation system.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced a new and improved infotainment system. The modern graphics and logical menu arrangement were much improved over previous attempts. Most trims featured an 8.0-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.5-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. The system supported over-the-air updates and included WiFi hotspot connectivity.

Top trims enhanced the experience with a fully digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL audio system, delivering a robust and immersive audio experience. The base six-speaker system was adequate but not exceptional.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in safety, equipped with the Honda Sensing suite across all trims. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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.

However, the Honda Sensing system lacked refinement, sometimes responding sharply or issuing false warnings. The blind-spot monitoring system’s placement on the windshield pillar was less than ideal. Nonetheless, the Odyssey earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid also prioritized safety. It received five stars from NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and scored "Good" in most IIHS tests. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and a traffic sign reader. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, front and rear proximity sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

In practice, the RAV4’s safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and seamless operation, offering confidence and peace of mind.