2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design. These changes aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more refined look. The interior upgrades included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and ambient lighting, enhancing its upscale feel. The Odyssey Touring, with its new alloy wheels and toned-down chrome, was closer to being the Acura of minivans.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged appearance with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, the side design introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a somewhat disjointed design compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition test vehicle included unique bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while distinctive, attracted dirt and lacked durability. The Softex synthetic leather felt more like vinyl, and the rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth power delivery and included driving modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 L/100 km, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, but the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It came with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The hybrid system provided a quick start, but the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned smoothly from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander offered a soft ride, with a quiet cabin on highways, though the engine noise was evident when pushed.

The Honda Odyssey offered excellent interior space with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was puzzling. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with various trays and bins. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats stowed. A hands-free power liftgate was available on higher trims.

The Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker audio system and Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and limited voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system was not touchscreen, disappointing some users.

The Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical buttons for climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control could be smoother.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally worked well but needed some fine-tuning.