Honda Odyssey vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar design that echoed its predecessors, offering a straightforward and practical aesthetic. Its interior followed suit with a traditional layout featuring buttons, knobs, and physical switchgear, which many found to be a blessing for ease of use. The minivan was available in EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with the Elite trim showcasing a new Smoke Blue Pearl paint and two-tone leather seats. Despite its utilitarian design, the Odyssey's interior materials maintained the high quality expected from Honda.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX presented a more modern and luxurious appearance. The TX 550h+ model featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a striking Matador Red Mica paint option. The exterior design included a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered ambient lighting and suede trim, though some materials fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some felt they were unnecessary. Overall, the TX provided a more upscale and contemporary look compared to the Odyssey.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey was equipped with 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. It lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, which were available in some competitors. The Odyssey achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with real-world tests showing slightly lower figures. Despite its focus on practicality, the Odyssey offered a surprisingly engaging driving experience with responsive steering and nimble handling, making it a standout among minivans.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered a robust 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid options, catering to various driving preferences. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a well-tuned suspension that absorbed road imperfections effortlessly. Its all-wheel-drive system offered flexibility in power distribution, enhancing traction in different conditions. The TX's performance was complemented by a range of drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowing drivers to tailor their experience.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey excelled in maximizing interior space, accommodating up to eight passengers and offering 140.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Elite trim featured comfortable power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, though taller drivers might find legroom limited. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatility, allowing various configurations for passenger and cargo needs. However, removing these seats to maximize cargo space could be cumbersome. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and the Odyssey offered ample storage solutions throughout the cabin.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided a luxurious interior with standard features like multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable center console, while the third row was spacious and comfortable for adults. Accessing the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button, though folding the second row flat required a specific sequence of actions. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey received a technology update with a new 7-inch digital driver display and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone charging, though the infotainment system's graphics and voice recognition were criticized for being outdated. The rear-seat entertainment system, featuring Amazon Fire TV technology, proved challenging to use, requiring additional cables for full functionality. Despite these shortcomings, the Odyssey offered practical tech features for everyday use.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some functions lacked user-friendliness. The steering wheel buttons were multifunctional but confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched audio sources unexpectedly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but in-dash navigation required a subscription. The TX offered advanced parking features, a rear-camera mirror, and multiple USB ports, ensuring connectivity and convenience for passengers.

The 2025 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver-assistance features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. While generally effective, some features, like adaptive cruise control, could be overly sensitive in traffic. The Odyssey received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though it performed poorly in a new IIHS evaluation.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, offering features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and Proactive Driving Assist. While adaptive cruise control worked well, Proactive Driving Assist was often deemed intrusive. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while the TX 550h+ had not yet been rated. IIHS scores were mixed, with an "Acceptable" rating for the driver-side small overlap front crash test.