2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its decade-old styling theme. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, 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 modern appeal by reducing brightwork. The interior of the Odyssey, particularly in the Touring trim, featured upscale elements such as perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-colour floor mats, all contributing to a more luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, continued to evolve from its original "cute ute" category. The latest iteration of the 2019 redesign maintained its position at the top of the SUV sales charts in Canada. The RAV4's exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, stood out with angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body-side shapes. Its expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings created a playful yet aggressive Kabuki-like face. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack and a touchscreen interface positioned for minimal driver distraction. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tying together various cabin elements, and the 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels on the test vehicle echoed this theme.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. Despite its front-wheel-drive limitation, the Odyssey offered a pleasurable driving experience with well-weighted steering, firm yet comfortable ride quality, and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4 provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. Fuel economy for the front-wheel-drive model was rated at 8.8 L/100 km city, 6.8 highway, and 7.9 combined. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models offered enhanced performance and efficiency, with the Prime boasting 302 horsepower and the ability to run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's car-like handling, aided by a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring, contributed to its popularity among drivers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, offering legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage options. The minivan featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in higher trims. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, detracting from the overall convenience.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to five passengers. The front seats provided ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom, with dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat available in higher trims. The RAV4's cargo capacity was impressive, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the second row folded. The SUV's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. The RAV4's interior featured numerous storage options, including cupholders, bottle holders, and a roomy glove compartment.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. Higher trims added a navigation system, CabinWatch interior camera, CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and wireless headphones, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, 11-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, and additional connectivity options. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging pad. The available bird’s-eye view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and head-up display further enhanced the RAV4's tech offerings.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey boasted an impressive array of safety features, with Honda Sensing now standard across all trims. The suite included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and more. The Odyssey's structural integrity and safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were expected to carry over from the previous model year, with top ratings in most categories.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with Toyota's Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and more. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The NHTSA awarded the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid their highest five-star rating.