2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was designed with a rugged exterior that mimicked the look of a traditional SUV, setting it apart from previous generations and other compact crossovers. Its boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and scowling front end gave it an aggressive appearance, which contributed to the perception that it was more than just an ordinary vehicle. However, beneath its bold exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with other Toyota models like the Camry and Sienna, which meant its mechanical underpinnings were fairly standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey maintained the classic minivan design but added a touch of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Touring trim featured dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adding a bit of flair. Despite its stylish touches, the Odyssey remained a practical choice for families, offering sliding side doors for easy access and a comfortable third-row seat. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, featuring a low console and plenty of storage space, making it a practical choice for family outings.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. While the engine boasted 40% thermal efficiency, akin to racing engines, the transmission struggled to keep up, leading to a less dynamic driving experience. The RAV4's steering was responsive but lacked feel, and the "Sport" driving mode only added weight to the steering. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive and 21.7 centimetres of ground clearance.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It was a front-wheel-drive minivan, lacking the all-wheel drive and electrified powertrain options available in some competitors. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. While not designed for spirited driving, the Odyssey offered a pleasant driving experience, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof providing ample headroom and good outward visibility. However, legroom in both rows was slightly behind competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat, hard cushions. Cargo space was above average, with 1,059 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,977 litres with them folded. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but storage space on the console was limited.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower seating position. The interior featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was impressive, with numerous compartments for stashing items. The second-row seats offered commendable comfort and flexibility, with the Magic Slide feature allowing for various seating configurations. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked flashiness, and the gasoline RAV4 did not include a head-up display. A JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio were available.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The Touring trim included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality. A major upgrade was deemed necessary for future models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard safety features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, the system lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.