2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a somewhat understated exterior design, with subtle changes from its predecessor, such as a more slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body panel creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the slimmer headlights. While the exterior might not have been particularly exciting, the interior was where the Highlander truly shone. Toyota focused on quality fit and finish, with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash that featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The interior colour palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim boasted a three-tone interior with rich textures and padded surfaces. The Highlander's cabin was a standout in its class, offering a level of detail and quality that was hard to find among its competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation were among the changes. The Odyssey offered four trim levels, with pricing ranging from $44,645 to $55,845. The interior featured new perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, giving it an upscale feel. The Odyssey's seating material and design improvements, along with new tri-colour floor mats, enhanced its practicality. The Touring trim's 19-inch alloy wheels and toned-down chrome added to its appeal, making it a more luxurious option in the minivan segment.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a floaty ride. However, it provided a calm and isolating driving experience, ideal for long road trips. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway. The AWD version had slightly different ratings, and the hybrid model offered even better fuel economy.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. It lacked AWD, which was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's V6 engine and transmission combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery. The vehicle's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-managed body motions and firm but comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels contributed to its handling prowess. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, indicating a need for improvement. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 L/100 km combined, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight or seven with second-row captain's chairs. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were excellent, with wide-opening rear doors and comfortable seating heights. Cargo space was ample, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The interior featured eight cupholders, four bottle holders, and convenient dash shelves. However, the wireless charging pad blocked access to the centre armrest cubby.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided excellent storage space, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, enhancing versatility. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior offered logical controls and ample storage, though the wireless smartphone charger occupied some console space.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was underutilized, with limited usable area. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the system lagged behind competitors. The Highlander Platinum featured a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, providing useful information. The semi-automated driving system was effective, and adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams were standard. The JBL audio system on higher trims was decent, and Safety Connect offered emergency services.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk PA system. The Odyssey's infotainment system lacked a tuning knob, making radio station changes cumbersome. Voice recognition technology was not as advanced as modern assistants. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen. The Odyssey's technology offerings were comprehensive, but some aspects could be improved.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the Touring trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though adaptive cruise control could be smoother. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its impressive IIHS ratings, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for most crash tests.