If you’re looking for a vehicle with more space, you may want to consider upgrading to a minivan. Minivans are comfortable, functional, and durable vehicles. Even though they’re often associated with soccer moms, minivans are designed for all types of drivers. In fact, they’re often viewed as an alternative to SUVs.
There are a number of different minivan models on the market, but the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are two of the most popular options. Although they may look similar, there are many distinct differences between the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Which one should you buy? Here’s an overview of the Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna:
Sienna vs. Odyssey: Trim Levels
Every vehicle is designed with various trim levels, which are different versions of the same model. Each trim level comes with a different set of features, which is why the vehicle’s price varies depending on the trim level you choose.
The latest Odyssey model has six trim levels to choose from:
- LX
- EX
- EX-L
- EX-L with select features, including navigation and rear entertainment system
- Touring
- Elite
The LX is the base model, which is the lowest and cheapest trim level. Because it’s the base model, it is not designed with any extra features. It only includes the bare minimum. If you want upgraded safety and technology features, it’s best to choose a higher trim level. The most premium trim level, the Elite, is designed with a wide range of high-end features such as heated front seats, an in-car PA system, and a hands-free power tailgate.
The base model is also the only trim level for the Odyssey that seats seven adults–the rest of the trim levels comfortably seat up to eight adults.
The latest Sienna model has five trim levels to choose from:
- L
- LE
- SE
- XLE
- Limited
Like the LX, the L is the base model for the Sienna. The next trim level, the LE, is designed with a few additional features, including power-sliding rear doors. However, the best safety and technological features are only available on the XLE and Limited trim levels. Both of these trim levels are designed with a multitude of features such as wireless charging, blind spot warning indicators, and heated front seats.
Most of the Sienna’s trim levels are designed to seat seven adults, however some, including the SE, comfortably seat up to eight adults.
Odyssey vs. Sienna: Engine and Fuel Economy
The engine and fuel economy are two of the most important factors to consider when choosing the minivan that is right for you.
All trim levels of the Odyssey come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. You don’t have the option of getting an Odyssey with a manual transmission, but you can choose between a nine-speed or ten-speed automatic transmission.
All Odyssey trim levels are also front-wheel-drive (FWD), which means the engine only powers the front two wheels of the vehicle. FWD isn’t ideal for off-roading or driving over rough terrain, but it does increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
The fuel economy may vary slightly depending on the trim level you choose, but in general, the Odyssey gets an average of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
Just like the Odyssey, all trim levels of the Sienna are designed with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Unlike the Odyssey, the Sienna does not come with different transmission options to choose from. Every Sienna trim level is built with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
However, you can choose between FWD or all-wheel-drive (AWD), depending on your lifestyle and needs. For example, if you drive in snowy or icy conditions on a regular basis, you may want to choose a Sienna with AWD.
The Sienna is far more fuel efficient than the Odyssey. You can get an average of 35 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway in a Sienna. If fuel efficiency is your main concern, the Sienna might be the right vehicle for you.
Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna 2021: Interior
How the inside of a vehicle looks and feels is just as important as what’s underneath the hood. For this reason, you should compare the pros and cons of the interiors when deciding between an Odyssey and Sienna.
Both the Sienna and Odyssey make the most out of every inch of the interior space. Both minivans are designed with three rows of seating. However, in both vehicles, the third row of seats can be folded down completely for more storage space. You also have the option of completely removing the second row of seats to turn your backseat into a massive storage space.
It’s important to note that it’s much easier to fold down and remove the back seats in the Sienna. It can be difficult to remove the second row of seats or get the third row to lie flat in the Odyssey, so keep this in mind when deciding between the two.
However, the Odyssey has slightly more space than the Sienna. The space behind the third row of seats is roughly the same in both vehicles. But if you remove the second row of seating, the Odyssey has 158 cubic feet of storage space, whereas the Sienna only has 150 cubic feet of space. If you need as much room as you can get, you may want to take advantage of the extra space in the Odyssey.
Both vehicles are designed in a way that makes it easy for passengers to climb in and out of the backseat even if they are sitting all the way in the third row. In most trim levels of the Odyssey, the second row of seats is designed to slide side-to-side, whereas in the Sienna, the second row of seats can slide forward and backward. Both of these designs make it much easier to load passengers in the back of the vehicle.
Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey 2021: Technology
In-car technology is another factor to consider when comparing the Sienna and Odyssey.
The base trim level of the Odyssey is designed with a standard infotainment system with a 5-inch screen. The premium trim levels come with a larger 8-inch touchscreen. These trim levels are also built with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are not available on the base trim level. Having access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto may make it easier to keep your passengers entertained, so keep this in mind when choosing a trim level.
All Sienna trim levels are designed with an infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen. Every Sienna model regardless of the trim level is also built with Apple CarPlay. However, Android Auto is not available on any trim level of the Sienna. If you own an Android, this means you won’t be able to access your music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your Sienna’s infotainment system.
Both vehicles are also designed with a number of safety technologies that help drivers avoid serious auto accidents. Advanced safety technologies are not included on the base model of the Odyssey. The higher trim levels come with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.
All trim levels of the Sienna come with various advanced safety technologies, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. If safety is your main concern, the Sienna has a slight edge over the Odyssey since these technologies are built into all trim levels.
Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey: The Driving Experience
You should never buy a vehicle that doesn’t offer a pleasant driving experience, which is why it’s important to learn what it’s like to drive both the Odyssey and Sienna before making a purchase decision.
Neither vehicle is known for its power, however, the Sienna has slightly more horsepower than the Odyssey. Despite this, many people find that the Odyssey offers a quicker and more responsive driving experience than the Sienna. The Odyssey can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph slightly faster than the Odyssey, and some drivers find that it’s much easier to navigate tight corners in an Odyssey as opposed to a Sienna. In fact, some drivers find that the Sienna feels big and difficult to maneuver when behind the wheel.
However, you may notice that the Sienna offers a far smoother ride overall than the Odyssey. If you typically drive over unpaved roads or roads with potholes, you may want to choose the Sienna over the Odyssey.
If you want the smoothest driving experience possible, the Sienna is your best bet. But if you’re more concerned with maneuverability, you may want to opt for the Odyssey.
The Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?
If you’re trying to decide between the Odyssey and the Sienna, it’s important to consider all of the factors mentioned above. There are pros and cons to each vehicle, so you must think about your unique needs and lifestyle when determining which one is best for you. Either way, you can’t go wrong with one of these dependable, affordable minivans.