2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but mundane, standing out among midsize SUVs and crossovers with its distinctive design. Its front end, though less dramatic than the 2021 Sienna minivan, still made a statement with wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The side profile featured a character line reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the rear boasted taillights akin to those on a Lexus model. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim level added a sportier appearance with a restyled front end, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a unique front fascia. However, the Limited trim, with its chrome accents and upscale interior, leaned more towards luxury than sportiness, offering a near-flawless fit and finish with tan leather seats and wood details.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, while not as stylish as the Kia Carnival, still offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Touring trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. The interior of the Odyssey reflected a classic open-concept minivan design with quality leather upholstery, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The centre stack, though cluttered with switchgear, was easy to navigate, and the expansive view through the massive windshield enhanced the driving experience. The Odyssey's design prioritized practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was equipped with 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 and all-wheel drive options. While not designed for drag races, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for family transportation. Its powertrain was comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride, though the Honda Pilot offered slightly more horsepower. The Highlander's suspension, particularly in the XSE trim, was tuned for a balance between comfort and driving excitement, with higher-rated springs and retuned shock absorbers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and an audible grumble. The Odyssey's driving character was well-suited for daily commutes, though it required more robust brakes for mountain grades.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered a practical interior with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in the centre console. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom with available captain's chairs, while the third row was best suited for short trips. Cargo space was limited to 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both rows down. However, the placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was less than ideal.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality. Its wide-opening doors and low seating position made entry easy, while the Touring trim offered quality leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for child seat placement and access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 929 litres of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 2,452 litres, and removing the second-row seats created a massive 3,984 litres of space, though the seats were heavy to handle.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch display available on the Platinum trim. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the navigation struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, and a JBL audio system was available from the Limited grade. However, the larger screen's limited app display raised questions about its value.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The Touring trim added CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, along with a rear entertainment system featuring a 10.2-inch display. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, lacking a tuning knob and offering limited voice command functionality. The Odyssey's technology package needed a significant upgrade to remain competitive.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the Touring trim, though its placement was less than ideal. The Odyssey also earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.