2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD, priced at $45,341, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite its fully loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger alloy wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's electronic AWD system was not designed for rugged trails, unlike the non-hybrid Trail trim. Its styling was tough for a compact SUV, but a bolder wheel design could have enhanced its look. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid combined style and practicality, though the quality varied with a mix of impressive materials and hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the interior was functional and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a stylish take on the classic minivan design. Its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added flair to its clean flanks. The Touring trim, priced at $56,806, featured dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels and standard leather upholstery, exuding quality. The interior boasted an open-concept design with ample storage and a well-organized centre stack. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows provided a panoramic view, enhancing the driving experience. Despite its minivan roots, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style and practicality.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup offered a standard AWD drivetrain, with the rear motor contributing to the system. The RAV4 Hybrid's curb weight ranged from 1,680 to 1,720 kilograms, making it heavier than the standard RAV4. Despite this, the electric motor's instant torque provided lively acceleration, though the engine's sound was less pleasant at high revs. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved a fuel efficiency of 5.9 L/100 km during testing, slightly better than the official estimate. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system enhanced ride and handling, though the tires lacked grip during spirited driving. Overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable and efficient driving experience, with some off-road capability.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain, resulting in a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 L/100 km. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 10.4 L/100 km. The minivan's driving character was enjoyable, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, the brakes exhibited pedal vibration and noise during downhill driving, especially when fully loaded. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and enjoyable to drive, though it required more robust brakes for mountain grades.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and heated cushions, though the seat felt slightly low. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and a user-friendly infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and cupholders. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. The minivan's low stance and wide-opening doors made entry easy. The Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a centre console tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support. The Odyssey offered 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the seats folded. Removing the second-row seats provided a massive 3,984 litres of cargo volume.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a choice of infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch displays, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The larger screen included SiriusXM and connected services with trial periods. The test vehicle's 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. The JBL premium audio system was satisfactory, and the RAV4 Hybrid offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, and CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology. The rear entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display with media inputs and a "How Much Farther?" app. The 11-speaker audio system and wireless charging pad enhanced convenience. However, the infotainment system felt outdated, lacking a tuning knob and requiring specific voice commands for navigation.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The system was generally effective, though lane-tracing and adaptive cruise control had some quirks. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.