2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4, with its bold and angular redesign from the previous year, continued to stand out in the compact SUV segment. Its rugged appearance was complemented by the TRD Off-Road package, which enhanced its off-roading capabilities with features like matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized suspension setup. The Lunar Rock grey paint with a white roof added a unique touch, while the interior boasted TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a mix of quality materials. The RAV4's trim levels ranged from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, with the TRD Off-Road package residing near the top, offering a blend of durability and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained its familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights gave it a refreshed look, while the Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design. The Odyssey's interior was upgraded with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and improved seating materials. The minivan's trim levels, from EX-RES to Touring, offered a range of features, with the Touring trim providing a more luxurious experience. Despite its updates, the Odyssey remained a practical choice for families, with its spacious interior and versatile seating configurations.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. While the RAV4 Hybrid offered 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, the TRD Off-Road package was not available for the hybrid model. The RAV4's eight-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system, multi-terrain select settings, and 21.8 centimetres of ground clearance, making it capable of handling challenging terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road proved to be a versatile vehicle for everyday use, with a fuel efficiency of 10.0 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered 280 horsepower. The engine's variable cylinder management technology helped conserve fuel, achieving an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. While the Odyssey lacked AWD, it featured a new electronic brake booster and improved brake pedal feel. The minivan's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, highlighting the need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered a comfortable and sporty driving position, with a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat and SofTex upholstery. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. The rear seat provided ample legroom for adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. The RAV4's interior storage was generous, and its cargo space ranged from 1,062 litres behind the rear seat to 1,974 litres with the seats folded down. Roof rails and a roof rack further extended its utility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and Magic Slide second-row seats. The minivan's seating configurations allowed for flexibility, with options like Wide Mode, Buddy Mode, and Super Mode. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, with 929 litres behind the third-row seat and up to 3,984 litres with the seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements in their design.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the trim level. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The TRD Off-Road's infotainment system impressed with its voice-recognition technology and wireless smartphone charging. Additional features like a 360-degree surround-view camera and a digital rear-view mirror enhanced the RAV4's technology offerings.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk PA system. Despite its features, the Odyssey's infotainment system lacked a tuning knob and had limited voice-recognition capabilities. The rear-seat entertainment system, with a 10.2-inch screen and built-in streaming apps, was a highlight, though not all passengers were impressed.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included features like automatic emergency braking, radar adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED headlights achieved this distinction.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The minivan was expected to maintain its impressive IIHS ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it top five-star ratings for most crash tests.