2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to modernize its decade-old styling theme. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were also introduced for the top three trims, enhancing the Odyssey's contemporary appeal by minimizing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trim levels, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient dashboard lighting, and new tri-color floor mats, elevating the minivan's interior to a more luxurious standard.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained its second-generation design, which debuted in 2008, making it a mature yet somewhat dated SUV. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior design remained tasteful, with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. Its dimensions were substantial, measuring 77 inches in height, 79.9 inches in width, and 205.1 inches in length, with a 122-inch wheelbase. The Sequoia's interior, however, showed its age, with a flat and old-fashioned dashboard design and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to modern SUVs. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams, ensuring durability for family use. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, featured darkened chrome or black-painted exterior trim and 20-inch alloy wheels, giving the Sequoia a more contemporary appearance.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The 2021 model introduced an electronic brake booster, enhancing the adaptive cruise control's low-speed following capability and improving brake pedal feel. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based design provided a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds contributed to its low fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension. The TRD Pro model further enhanced its off-road prowess. The Sequoia's 38.1-foot turning circle and good sightlines made it manageable in urban settings, though its height required caution in low-clearance areas.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, provided comfort with adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and three-zone climate control. The center console and glove compartment offered ample storage, complemented by door pockets and rear passenger cup holders. The cargo area featured an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Power-folding or manual folding of the third row expanded cargo space to 66.6 cubic feet, while folding both the second and third rows provided 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera, while Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors, it featured LED exterior lighting, a rear backup camera, and parking sonar.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly, with some room for improvement in adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Toyota Safety Sense P included pre-collision with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The STAR safety system provided stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Sequoia also featured a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, and parking-assist sonar.