2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's aesthetic appeal. These modifications aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary look. Inside, the Odyssey Touring featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting, elevating its interior to a more luxurious level. The tri-colour floor mats were a practical addition, effectively concealing dirt.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive design, avoiding the blandness often associated with midsize SUVs. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a bold statement. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, added a touch of sportiness. At the rear, the taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models, contributing to a sleek appearance. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a more aggressive front end, suspension tuning, and an appearance package, appealing to those seeking a sportier look. Inside, the Limited trim exuded luxury with chrome roof rails, tan leather seats, and dark brown trim, complemented by wood details. The Highlander prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an attractive choice for families.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's variable cylinder management technology enhanced fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it suitable for family use. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, enhancing driving excitement. The Highlander's powertrain compared favourably with competitors, offering similar horsepower and torque levels. Its soft suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, although it exhibited some body roll in corners.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, accommodating both passengers and cargo. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 929 litres, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third-row seat folded. The maximum cargo volume reached 3,984 litres, although removing the second-row seats was necessary for full capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in passenger comfort and cargo versatility. The front seats featured convenient shelves for storage, while the second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom and reclining captain's chairs. The third-row seats accommodated adults, albeit with limited legroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows folded, the Highlander offered 2,245 litres of cargo space, suitable for most needs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and wireless headphones. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across the lineup. The JBL audio system, available from the Limited grade, provided good sound quality. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive, although its functionality was limited to certain apps.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to maintain its impressive Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.