2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to modernize 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 aesthetic appeal. These modifications aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary look. Inside, the Odyssey offered a luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, particularly in the Touring trim, which was akin to the U.S.-exclusive Elite trim. The interior improvements, including new seating materials and tri-colour floor mats, contributed to an upscale and practical environment, making the Odyssey Touring a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced a more SUV-like style while maintaining its minivan identity. The Sienna's design featured a macho front end, with re-engineered door hinges and slides that concealed the slider channel below the rear side window frame, giving it a sleek profile. The rear doors integrated styling details into the rear fender well, and the overall stance was assertive. The Sienna offered a range of wheel sizes, from 17-inch on base models to 20-inch on upper trims. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered front cabin design and abundant storage options. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating, with available captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, with features like a 60/40-split third-row bench that easily stored away, making it a practical 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 to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with an average consumption of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions compared to competitors like Chrysler and Toyota. The Odyssey's handling was enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable ride quality. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and improved brake modulation enhanced its driving dynamics, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from the previous year, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with AWD available on most trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was impressive for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel consumption was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined, and AWD models slightly higher. The Sienna's hybrid system included a 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery with a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty, emphasizing its efficiency and reliability.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation and logical controls, although the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback. The driver's seat was highly adjustable and comfortable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided flexibility, with various seating modes to accommodate passengers and cargo. The third-row seats were spacious and easy to access, while cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. The standard 60/40-split third-row bench easily stored away, and the power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience. The Sienna's interior was designed for family use, with ample storage and cupholders throughout.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 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 notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on higher trims, included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked touchscreen functionality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless connectivity was absent, the Sienna included telematics services, Bluetooth, and optional Qi wireless charging. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. The rear-seat entertainment system featured an 11.6-inch display, remote, and wireless headphones. A digital rearview mirror was available on select trims, providing a clear view when the cabin was full.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a few minor drawbacks in adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. The spare tire location was improved for safety and convenience.