Edmunds’ experts have ranked the Honda Odyssey as their No. 1 minivan since the 2018 model year. It has the expansive utility you expect from a family hauler plus a refined driving experience other minivans can’t match.
Or can they?
This year a familiar nameplate receives a full redesign: the Toyota Sienna. The new 2021 Sienna brings a lot to the table in its hope to oust the
Edmunds pitted the Sienna against the Odyssey to find out which one is the better minivan.
ENGINES AND MPG
The Sienna, in contrast, has a four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system with a continuously variable transmission. It trades away some power ― it has 245 horsepower ― in return for a big boost in fuel efficiency. The EPA pegs it at 36 mpg combined. After driving several hundred miles, Edmunds experts recorded multiple tanks over 40 mpg in a Sienna.
WINNER: Sienna
PRICING AND VALUE
The 2021 Sienna starts at
Want a luxed-out minivan? A fully equipped Sienna Platinum with all-wheel drive costs a little more than
Basic and powertrain warranty coverage are also similar. But
WINNER: Sienna
INTERIOR AND TECHNOLOGY
Inside, these minivans are similar. Both vans have seven- and eight-passenger configurations, spacious cabins, comfortable and versatile seats, storage space galore and many kid-friendly touches. Even smartphone integration, intercoms and built-in vacuums are the norm on higher trims.
The interior is also a chance for differentiation.
The Odyssey has second-row seats that slide side to side, which helps with third-row access.
For hauling cargo, both minivans have third-row seats that are easy to fold down. You can also take out the Odyssey’s second-row seats for maximum cargo capacity, though they’re heavy and bulky. The Sienna’s second-row seats are no longer removable.
WINNER: Odyssey
HOW THEY DRIVE
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey is how they drive. For any vehicle, assessment of the ride often comes down to personal preference. Here’s our expert take.
Behind the wheel of the Odyssey, things are simple. It drives a lot like a sedan. The V6 and automatic transmission work well together, and there always seems to be enough power to do what you need to. Around town the
The Sienna hybrid requires a little adjustment. Remember that standout fuel economy? It comes at a cost. The
WINNER: Odyssey
EDMUNDS SAYS: Minivan shoppers will find plenty to like from both the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. This one is close. The difference makers are ultimately drivability and interior versatility. The Toyota Sienna stumbles just a bit in both areas, which gives the Honda Odyssey a photo-finish victory.
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Related links:
—Toyota Sienna review: https://edmu.in/3oRlRdz
—Honda Odyssey review: https://edmu.in/3jZlQ3v
—Toyota Sienna versus Honda Odyssey video review: https://bit.ly/35YK6hm
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