2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar design that was subtly updated for the model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Elite trim, in particular, offered a more luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged appearance with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia. However, the design felt disjointed, especially with the character line over the rear wheel arch. The interior was unconventional, featuring an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element and a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen. The Bronze Edition had light grey fabric upholstery with a triangle motif, which was not well-received due to its impracticality and resemblance to a paper towel pattern.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth power delivery and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm suspension, though the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine with 243 horsepower, coupled with a CVT. It offered optional all-wheel drive via an electric motor on the rear axle. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick start, but the engine's drone was noticeable under heavy acceleration. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in ride comfort, with a soft suspension that smoothed out road imperfections, and maintained a quiet cabin at highway speeds.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers enjoyed comfortable seating with a 12-way power-adjustable seat and heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered versatile configurations, though removing them for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. The Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with ample storage options. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining capabilities, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system. The infotainment system was responsive, but the larger screen's reflective surface was a concern.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, with adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control could be smoother.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, the systems needed fine-tuning for smoother operation.