Table of Contents
Honda Odyssey Vs. Toyota Sienna: Unbiased Comparison for 2023
In the world of minivans, two major players stand out – the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. Both vehicles have earned their reputations as reliable, family-friendly, and versatile options for those seeking spacious rides for daily tasks or long road trips.
Honda, known for its dependable and well-performing vehicles, introduced the Odyssey in 1995. The Toyota Sienna, launched by another automotive giant recognized for its quality and reliability, entered the market in 1998.
Both brands have solid reputations and have made considerable contributions to the evolution of minivans over the decades. Let’s take a closer look at how these two vehicles match up.
Performance
Regarding performance, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna offer a comfortable and smooth driving experience, but they have different focus areas.
Engine Comparison
Reliable engines power both the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The Odyssey's SOHC 24-valve V-6 aluminum block engine produces 280 horsepower, while the Sienna's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 245 horsepower.
The Odyssey is the bigger vehicle and packs more of a punch when it comes to power. The Sienna’s hybrid powertrain is more useful for city driving because of the immediate electric motor response.
Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the standard Sienna outshines the Odyssey due to its hybrid powertrain. The Sienna returns impressive fuel economy ratings, while the Odyssey's figures are more typical for a minivan in its class.
The Odyssey Base LX trim offers 19 city, 28 highway, and 22 combined miles per gallon. Because of the hybrid system, the Sienna gets approximately 36 miles per gallon combined.
Handling & Ride Quality
We've found both the Odyssey and Sienna to have precise steering and well-controlled body motions. The Odyssey, however, presents a slight edge in terms of agility, making it feel more responsive through the corners.
On the other hand, the Sienna offers an available all-wheel-drive system that provides added traction in slippery conditions – an option not available for the Odyssey. Both are front-wheel drive vehicles too.
The ride quality in both minivans is comfortable and smooth. The Odyssey's cabin is slightly better insulated from road and wind noise, giving passengers a more serene experience.
Meanwhile, the Sienna's suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections effectively, providing a well-damped ride that makes long trips enjoyable for the entire family.
Interior and Comfort
Seating Capacity
The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna can comfortably seat up to 8 passengers across three rows. In both vehicles, the second-row seats are versatile and offer multiple configurations with easy adjustability to accommodate various needs.
Cargo Space
Regarding cargo capacity, the Sienna offers 101 cubic feet behind the front row seats, while the base Odyssey LX provides up to 144.9 cubic feet in the same area. However, both minivans have ample storage for all your family's needs.
There is 33.5 cubic feet of available cargo space in the Sienna, but if you fold the third-row seats, it increases to 75.2 cubic feet. But if you need tons of space, the Odyssey is the better choice, with 38.6 cubic feet of storage capacity for cargo behind the third row.
Features and Technology
When it comes to features and technology, both the Odyssey and Sienna excel in offering upscale amenities for occupants. Both include critical features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and power sliding rear doors.
But they are also different in some ways too. In the Honda Odyssey, you'll find features such as:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Available rear entertainment system
- Available heated and ventilated front seats
- Honda Sensing Bundle
On the other hand, the Toyota Sienna offers:
- Standard three-zone climate control
- Available JBL premium audio system
- Available Driver Easy Speak intercom system
- Toyota Safety Sense Bundle
Overall, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna provide comfortable interiors with convenient features and technology, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for families.
Safety Features
Both the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna come with a variety of safety features, but there are some differences in what's standard and what's available. Here are the safety features for both models.
Honda Odyssey
Honda includes the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features on all Odyssey models. This suite includes:
- Collision System
- Road Departure System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
- Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control
Toyota Sienna
Toyota also includes a suite of safety features on all Sienna models called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. Additionally, the Sienna has Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking (RCTB) as standard equipment, providing an extra layer of safety.
These features include:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Anti-lock Brake System
Pricing
When comparing the 2023 Honda Odyssey and the 2023 Toyota Sienna, we found the base prices differ slightly. The Honda Odyssey LX starts at $37,340, while the Toyota Sienna LE base price is $36,885
We’ve noticed both of these minivans do well to maintain value. Because they last so long, you can get good resale value after driving them for a few years.
Warranty
When comparing the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna Limited, it's essential to consider warranty coverage. Both minivans come with a basic warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.
They also offer roadside assistance, with Honda providing coverage for three years/36,000 miles and Toyota for two years/unlimited miles.
It's worth noting that Toyota provides a longer hybrid system warranty for the Sienna, covering eight years/100,000 miles, which can be an advantage if you opt for the hybrid model.
Which Vehicle Sells More?
We've analyzed sales data and found that the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna have their fair share of fans. Since their introduction, these two minivans have been locked in fierce competition for dominance in the family vehicle market.
The Honda Odyssey outsells the Toyota Sienna, with a total of 2,132,578 vehicles sold compared to the Sienna's 1,941,899 vehicles.
While the Honda Odyssey has sold more units to date, it's important to note that sales figures aren't always a direct reflection of the quality or suitability of a vehicle to a buyer's needs.
The Odyssey and the Sienna have their unique strengths, and the best choice depends on individual buyer needs and preferences.
Honda Odyssey Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has a powerful V6 engine, providing a smooth and comfortable ride with plenty of power for most driving situations.
- It offers innovative features like the HondaVac, a built-in vacuum cleaner.
- The interior is spacious and upscale, with seating up to eight people.
- It comes with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features as standard.
Cons
- All-wheel drive is not an option, which could be a concern if you frequently drive in challenging weather conditions.
- Some advanced features are only available on higher trims.
Toyota Sienna Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Sienna offers excellent fuel efficiency thanks to its hybrid powertrain.
- It comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of safety technologies as standard.
- It's the only minivan in the segment to offer all-wheel drive across all trims.
- It provides a comfortable and quiet ride.
Cons
- Some drivers may prefer the more traditional power and feel of a gas-powered engine.
- While the interior is comfortable and well-equipped, some critics say it's not as upscale as the Odyssey's.
Honda Odyssey Vs. Toyota Sienna: Which Is Right For You?
Choosing between the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna often comes down to personal preferences, lifestyle, and specific requirements because both are excellent choices for minivans.
However, some distinct characteristics of each might help you make a decision. The Honda Odyssey is bigger than the Toyota Sienna, with more interior space, storage capacity, and seating.
So larger families can opt for the Odyssey because of the third-row seating design. But we prefer the Sienna for riding comfort because of the complex hybrid powertrain system. If advanced standard safety features are more important to you, then the Toyota Sienna would be a better choice.
The Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are considered excellent choices in the minivan category. They are known for their reliability, spacious interiors, numerous convenience features, and strong safety ratings.
About The Author
Charles Redding
I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.
Read More About Charles Redding