Minivans are superior in transporting people compared to SUVs. They are more spacious, comfortable, versatile, and generally more fuel-efficient. While they may not have the rugged appearance for off-road adventures, half of the currently available minivans offer all-wheel drive, and almost all of the new minivans have a hybrid variant available.
The 2025 Honda Odyssey, in its updated form, does not provide these options. It sticks to front-wheel drive and continues to utilize a 3.5-liter V-6 engine achieving 22 mpg combined. Nevertheless, the 2024 Toyota Sienna is a fantastic contender in the minivan segment. It offers front- or all-wheel drive options and can achieve up to an impressive EPA-rated 36 mpg combined.
Both minivans boast a wide array of features and safety technologies. So, which one emerges as the winner? Let’s delve into the details.
Price and characteristics comparison between Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna
Honda has streamlined the Odyssey lineup to EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite models, ranging from $43,315 to $52,275
Toyota Sienna hybrid offers numerous trim options within the price range of $38,580 to $55,000
Our recommendations: Honda Odyssey EX-L and Sienna XLE
Both these minivans are available in at least four different versions. Honda markets its minivan in EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, and Elite trims. On the other hand, the Sienna is available as LE, XLE, Woodland, XSE, Limited, or Platinum editions.
Which version of the Toyota Sienna is the most suitable?
The Toyota Sienna, a standard hybrid, offers various trim levels such as LE, XLE, XLE Woodland, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $2,000 on all models except the XLE Woodland, where it comes as a standard feature.
The base Sienna LE is priced at $38,850, inclusive of a $1,395 destination fee. It comes equipped with standard modern minivan features, power sliding doors, a range of safety technologies, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Opting for the Sienna XLE at a slightly higher price will add a sunroof and synthetic leather upholstery. The luxurious Sienna Limited includes leather upholstery, JBL audio, navigation, and an in-car intercom system for communication with rear passengers. The top-tier Sienna Platinum with all-wheel drive exceeds $55,000.
Which version of the Honda Odyssey should I select?
The Odyssey is available in four well-equipped trims, each with its own set of features. However, they are priced higher compared to the Sienna hybrid models. The EX-L is priced at $43,315 along with a mandatory $1,395 destination charge, and includes a 7.0-inch instrument cluster combining a digital display with an analog speedometer, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, and a wireless charger. The Sport-L at $44,465 showcases a dark exterior with black trim pieces and black leather upholstery with red contrast stitching. The top-tier Elite model offers two-tone perforated leather upholstery, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power tailgate among other premium upgrades for $52,275.
Advantage: Toyota Sienna, both in terms of cost at the dealership and long-term ownership expenses.
Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna: Performance, Engine, and Towing Comparison
The Odyssey is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 280 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and available only in front-wheel drive
The Sienna combines a 245-hp 4-cylinder gasoline engine with one or three electric motors, providing front- or all-wheel drive options
Honda offers a smoother ride, whereas Toyota Sienna demonstrates superior handling
Both minivans have a towing capability of up to 3,500 pounds
Does the Honda Odyssey come with 4WD?
No, it is solely offered in front-wheel drive configuration.
All Honda Odysseys are equipped with a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivers responsive performance, albeit the transmission can sometimes hesitate at lower speeds when rapid shifting is required. Honda’s independent suspension system effectively dampens road imperfections for a comfortable ride, while also offering agile cornering capabilities.
Is the Toyota Sienna available with 4WD?
The Woodland variants convert the standard front-wheel-drive system into all-wheel drive, with the option costing an additional $2,000. With the all-wheel-drive setup, a third electric motor independently powers the rear wheels alongside the engine and front wheels. Toyota’s hybrid configuration combines a 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a small battery pack to deliver 245 hp. While excelling at low speeds with good torque for quick starts, the performance tapers off as speeds increase. Though not as refined or potent as Honda’s engine, Toyota’s suspension system provides better stability around corners and maintains a composed demeanor on highways. The compromise is marginal, but the significant disparity in fuel efficiency is a notable advantage for Toyota.
Advantage: Honda Odyssey.
Fuel Economy Comparison: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
- The Sienna achieves a combined fuel efficiency of 36 mpg with FWD or 35 mpg with AWD
- Honda Odyssey delivers 22 mpg combined with FWD
- The Odyssey lacks a hybrid option, unlike the other minivans
The Toyota Sienna excels with its standard hybrid powertrain. When equipped with front-wheel drive, it achieves an EPA-rated fuel efficiency of 36 mpg combined, which remains at 35 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.
The Honda Odyssey consumes fuel at a rate of 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. It stands out as the only minivan without a hybrid option, unlike rivals such as the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival.
Advantage: Toyota Sienna.
Interior and Features Comparison: Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odysseycargo storage
- No fold-able second-row seats are available in either model.
- Both minivans come equipped with fold-away third-row seats.
- The second row in Honda’s model can be detached, while Toyota’s cannot be retracted.
The Chrysler Pacifica outshines both of these minivans in terms of adaptability. Instead of concealing second- and third-row seats into the floor, these vehicles merely flip and fold them to create additional space for either cargo or passengers.
How capacious is the Honda Odyssey?
In the Odyssey, Honda has crafted a spacious area for the driver and front passenger, offering ample storage for small items. Standard features include heated power front seats. The standard minivan can seat up to eight individuals, and with the removal of the flip-out second-row middle seat, this capacity reduces to seven. After removing this seat, the outboard seats can be adjusted together for easier access to the back row or spread apart to form an aisle down the center of the vehicle. These captain’s chairs can either be removed or slid back and forth to adjust the space available to the third-row seat, which offers 38.1 inches of legroom—sufficient for accommodating large passengers comfortably.
The Odyssey provides at least 33 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row. When this row is folded down, the available space expands to 88.6 cubic feet. By removing the middle seats and folding down those in the rear, the Odyssey can accommodate up to 144.9 cubic feet of cargo. No SUV based on a car platform can match this capacity.
How roomy is the Toyota Sienna?
The Sienna is also quite accommodating, providing seating for up to eight passengers. All models come equipped with a power driver’s seat and a convenient storage shelf located on the passenger side of the front seat. It also features a two-tiered center console offering ample storage space. For those who prefer more luxurious minivans, leather upholstery is available as an option.
The second-row seats in the Sienna are designed more like airline-style thrones, with up to 25 inches of back-and-forth sliding capability and footrests on higher-end models. This design allows for enhanced comfort and increased legroom for two occupants in the second row. However, a trade-off is that the middle seats in the Sienna cannot be removed. Toyota’s solution involves allowing the seat bottoms to flip up, enabling the middle seats to fold against the front seat backs. By sliding these middle seats forward, access to the third row becomes easier, which can be stowed away into the floor when not in use. Overall, with the second and third rows maximally adjusted, the Sienna can accommodate approximately 101 cubic feet of cargo.
Advantage: The Honda Odyssey excels in this aspect.
Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna safety
Standard features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control
Toyota provides a surround-view camera system
Both minivans achieve an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating
Both vehicles are equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control as standard features. While the Sienna offers a surround-view camera system as an option, the Odyssey lacks this feature. However, Honda includes a camera that allows parents to monitor the third-row seat. Toyota offers additional features such as a head-up display and a rear camera mirror to enhance rearward visibility.
Though these features cater to different buyer preferences, Honda emerges as the safety leader based on crash-test results. Both minivans earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star NHTSA rating, but the Sienna fared less favorably in front impact assessments.
Advantage: Honda demonstrates superior performance in crash tests.
Image Source: The Global Guy @ShutterStock
