2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced for the 2021 model year, rode on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, shared with models like the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4. Measuring 186.6 inches long, 73.0 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, with a 105.9-inch wheelbase, the Venza had excellent proportions and a modern exterior design that could fit into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking design feature was a deeply scalloped body side that bulged to form the rear fender, emphasizing power. The tailgate was eye-catching with a stripe of LED lighting, and the nose had a prominent overhang. Inside, the Venza had an elegant interior layout with high-quality materials, a layered dash, and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats could accommodate three adults easily.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency and performance, with options for electric-only operation for short distances and Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, and the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered sprightly performance and agile handling, feeling maneuverable like the Camry. It was designed as a midsize family hauler, delivering a comfortable ride and performance suitable for its purpose.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row had 45.2 inches of hip room, adequate for three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze fixed panoramic glass roof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, electric parking brake, and numerous storage options. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack was located beneath the second-row seats, minimally impacting cargo capacity. It offered 28.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Toyota focused on making the Venza's cabin quiet, adding sound-blocking and absorbing insulation throughout.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, with a tank of gas yielding over 500 miles. The Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The LE and XLE models featured an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa capability, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Limited trim added a nine-speaker JBL audio system, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and intelligent touch-capacitive controls. Toyota Connected Services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect, and WiFi Connect. An Advanced Technology Package for the Limited trim included a head-up display and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features for 2021, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. Honda Sensing included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new menu button for ADAS settings. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with five-star ratings in all assessments except rollover resistance, which received four stars.

The 2022 Toyota Venza came with the Toyota Star Safety System, including stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, smart stop technology, and a rearview camera. It had eight airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, and LATCH lower anchors for child safety seats. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, lane tracing assist, and road-sign assist. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.