2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota Sienna

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since 2011 and received a refresh in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 model still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches overshadowed by its overall aged design. The hollow "thud" of the front doors and the instrument panel's simplistic design, reminiscent of Toyota's 2010 parts, highlighted its age. However, this simplicity also made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, including CE, LE, SE, and XLE, each with distinct features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment systems. The SE trim stood out with its power liftgate, while the XLE Limited added premium touches like leather seats and a JBL audio system. The Nightshade Edition aimed to appeal to those prioritizing style with its dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor tweaks for modernization. The new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation updated its appearance. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its visual appeal. The Odyssey offered four trims: EX-RES, EX-L Navi, EX-L RES, and Touring, with pricing ranging from $44,645 to $55,845. The Touring trim, equivalent to the U.S.-exclusive Elite, featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and improved seating materials. The Odyssey's interior boasted a more luxurious feel, with enhancements like tri-colour floor mats and a refined dashboard, positioning it as a premium minivan option.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, providing robust acceleration. The Sienna's powertrain primarily drove the front wheels, with optional AWD available for most trims, albeit at the cost of 8-passenger seating. The AWD feature was a unique selling point in 2020, appealing to buyers in regions with inclement weather. The Sienna's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD model achieving 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.1 on the highway, while AWD versions returned slightly higher figures. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, offering a smooth ride and decent cornering abilities. However, its steering response was twitchy at higher speeds, requiring constant attention.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered multiple driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The Odyssey's V6 engine, equipped with variable cylinder management, provided smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency, averaging 10.8 L/100 km. Unlike its competitors, the Odyssey lacked AWD, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it introduced a new electronic brake booster, enhancing brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and improved brake modulation contributed to its handling prowess, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 4,247 litres, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome. The Sienna's third-row seats folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding mechanism of the second-row seats. Toyota offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided a well-designed interior with logical controls and ample storage. The driver's seat was comfortable, with adjustable armrests and heated features in higher trims. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and accessibility. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 929 litres, expanding to 3,984 litres with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats was necessary to access maximum cargo volume, which could be inconvenient. The Odyssey's interior improvements, such as flatter-folding second-row seats, increased utility and ease of use.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and five USB ports. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a JBL premium audio system. The Sienna's Driver Easy Speak system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers through the rear speakers, a useful feature for families.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), including lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and dynamic cruise control. It earned five stars from the NHTSA and top ratings from the IIHS, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, adding low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective, though not always smooth. It received top ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS.