2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, but over time, its appearance became more familiar and less striking. Its front end was characterized by a blunt, bulbous nose, giving it an aggressive look, while black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect. Despite its swollen haunches and 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the design could feel overwhelming. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered a two-tone interior with leather upholstery in Limited and Platinum trims. However, the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections, and the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey maintained a classic minivan design with a touch of style. Its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added flair, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch wheels. The Odyssey's interior featured quality leather, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, with clever solutions like the Magic Slide second-row seats, which enhanced flexibility and safety. The third-row seat was notably comfortable, offering decent leg support and foot room, making it suitable for adults on longer trips.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 243 horsepower and an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. While this improved efficiency, the driving experience suffered. The engine felt strained during acceleration, and the steering was lifeless. Despite regenerative brakes working well, the SUV's handling was marred by excessive body movement. On smooth roads, it cornered well, but uneven surfaces revealed its shortcomings. Around town, the electric motor's torque was a highlight, but overall, the Highlander Hybrid lacked driving enjoyment.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered a more engaging driving experience than its hybrid rivals, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate during extended use, especially when descending hills. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and enjoyable to drive, making it a practical choice for families seeking a balance between performance and utility.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with power adjustments and leather upholstery. However, the second-row bench seat option felt cramped for three adults, and the third-row seat was uncomfortable with limited legroom. Cargo space was decent, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet. Storage solutions were less generous than before, and the wireless charger blocked access to the center console storage.

The Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. Its wide-opening doors and lower ride height made entry easy. The second-row Magic Slide seats offered flexibility, while the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. The Odyssey's storage solutions were practical, with numerous compartments and a well in the cargo area to prevent items from rolling out.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid came with a comprehensive infotainment system, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the sound system's quality varied, and the voice recognition system had limitations. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror added convenience, but the infotainment system could benefit from improvements in user experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite offered a range of technology features, though its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, it included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims added CabinWatch and CabinTalk for rear-seat monitoring and communication. The rear-seat entertainment system was functional but outdated. Overall, the Odyssey's technology package needed an upgrade to remain competitive.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a suite of driver-assist technologies. While effective, some systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, lacked refinement. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system's responses could be abrupt, and the blind-spot monitoring system's placement was less intuitive. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.