Minivans often outperform SUVs when it comes to family duties, excelling in interior space, comfort, flexibility, and usually, fuel efficiency, though they may not have the same towing capacity or rugged appearance. Currently, half of the minivans available feature all-wheel drive, and all but one provides a hybrid option. The updated 2025 Honda Odyssey offers neither, relying solely on front-wheel drive and maintaining its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which achieves a combined 22 mpg. However, the Odyssey remains a strong contender in the minivan market, as does the 2025 Toyota Sienna. The Sienna offers both front- and all-wheel drive, and can achieve up to 36 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates. Both vehicles boast attractive features and advanced safety technology.
So, who wins out in the end? Let’s break it down.
Price and Features: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
Honda has streamlined the Odyssey lineup, offering EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $43,315 to $52,275. The Toyota Sienna hybrid, on the other hand, is priced from $40,635 to $58,355, all prices including destination charges.
Our Picks: Honda Odyssey EX-L and Sienna XLE
Which Toyota Sienna should I buy?
The Toyota Sienna, equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain, is available in several trims: LE, XLE, XLE Woodland, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 option for all trims except the XLE Woodland, where it comes standard. Buyers needing an eight-passenger configuration should note that only the LE and front-wheel-drive XLE offer this layout. The base Sienna LE starts at $40,635, including a $1,450 destination fee. It comes with necessary features like power sliding doors, advanced safety features, and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Upgrading to the Sienna XLE adds a sunroof and synthetic leather upholstery for a few thousand dollars more. The upscale Sienna Limited offers leather upholstery, JBL audio, navigation, and an in-car intercom for the driver. A Sienna Platinum model equipped with all-wheel drive can exceed $58,000.
Which Honda Odyssey should I buy?
The Odyssey offers a choice of four well-equipped trims, but none are inexpensive, especially in comparison to the Sienna hybrid. The EX-L trim costs $43,315 (including the $1,395 destination charge) and incorporates a 7.0-inch instrument cluster, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, and a wireless device charger. The $44,465 Sport-L boasts dark exterior trim and black leather upholstery with red stitching, while the top-tier Elite offers two-tone perforated leather upholstery, cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power tailgate for $52,275.
Advantage: Toyota Sienna, in terms of both dealer price and long-term cost of ownership.
Performance, Engine, and Towing: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
The Odyssey has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The Sienna integrates a 245-hp 4-cylinder gas engine with either two or three electric motors, offering front- or all-wheel drive. The Odyssey offers a more comfortable ride, although the Sienna provides enhanced agility.
Both minivans can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Is the Honda Odyssey 4WD?
No, the Honda Odyssey is only available with front-wheel drive. All models include a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration. While the 10-speed automatic can occasionally hesitate at low speeds during quick shifts, the Odyssey’s independent suspension system excels at absorbing road imperfections and providing a smooth ride while cornering.
Is the Toyota Sienna 4WD?
On the Sienna, all-wheel drive can be found on Woodland models (standard) and, as a $2,000 option, on other trims.. This system adds a third electric motor to independently power the rear wheels. The Sienna’s hybrid setup combines a 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a small battery pack, generating a total of 245 hp. This system performs well at low speeds where it provides ample torque for quick starts, but that power diminishes as speeds increase. The Sienna’s drivetrain might not be as smooth or as powerful as the Honda’s, but its suspension handles corners better and maintains a steady track on the highway. The fuel economy difference is quite noticeable, however.
Advantage: Honda Odyssey, for its performance and ride quality.
Fuel Economy: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
The Sienna achieves 36 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 35 mpg with all-wheel drive. The Honda Odyssey is rated at 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive.
The Toyota Sienna distinguishes itself with its standard hybrid powertrain. It achieves an EPA-estimated rating of 36 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive models, and a still impressive 35 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The Honda Odyssey consumes fuel at a rate of 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined and is the only minivan currently sold without a hybrid option.
Advantage: The Toyota Sienna.
Interior and Cargo Space: Toyota Sienna vs. Honda Odyssey
Neither minivan offers a fold-away second-row seat, but both have third-row seats that fold away. Honda’s middle row can be removed, while Toyota’s cannot.
Neither minivan offers the ultimate flexibility of the Chrysler Pacifica, but they both provide plenty of cargo space. The second and third-row seats fold or flip to create additional space for either cargo or passengers, negating the need to stow the seats in the floor.
How much room is there in the Honda Odyssey?
The Odyssey creates a comfortable space for both the driver and front passenger. The design includes storage for small items. It can accommodate eight passengers in the standard configuration, or seven with the removal of the second-row middle seat. The second-row seats can be pushed together for easier access to the back row or can be kept apart to create an aisle. The captain’s chairs can be removed or adjusted with a sliding mechanism to provide more space for the third-row seat. The third-row has 38.1 inches of legroom, suitable for adult passengers. The Odyssey has a minimum of 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and expanding to 88.6 cubic feet when those seats are folded down. With all seats removed or folded, the Odyssey can handle up to 144.9 cubic feet of cargo, a capacity that most SUVs can’t match.
How much room is there in the Toyota Sienna?
The Sienna also offers impressive functionality, with seating for up to eight people. All models include a power driver’s seat and a useful storage shelf on the passenger side of the front seat. The Sienna has a two-tiered center console that offers ample storage. Leather upholstery is available as an option. Featuring up to 25 inches of sliding adjustment and footrests in the higher trims, the second-row seats in the Sienna offer superior accommodation, with increased legroom. A tradeoff is that its middle seats can’t be removed but instead flip up. Both are able to slide forward, allowing for easier access to the third row, which then folds away into the floor when not in use. Maximum cargo capacity of the Sienna is about 101 cubic feet.
Advantage: The Honda Odyssey, due to its higher cargo capacity.
Safety: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
Both minivans come standard with automatic emergency braking, including pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota Sienna offers a surround-view camera system.
Both minivans earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.
Each vehicle is equipped with standard features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, active lane control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control. A surround-view camera system is available on the Sienna but not on the Honda, though the Honda has a camera for monitoring the third-row seat. The Sienna offers additional features, including a head-up display and a rear camera mirror. Both vehicles earned the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick rating and a five-star NHTSA rating. However, the Odyssey did not perform as well in front impact tests.
Advantage: Toyota, based on crash test results.
Design: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
Both minivans incorporate styling elements from their SUV counterparts. The Sienna boasts a more sophisticated interior. The Odyssey’s “lightning bolt” design cues have been phased out. While minivans aren’t expected to be design leaders, the Odyssey and Sienna need to step it up considering competition from the Chrysler Pacifica and Kia Carnival. The Sienna features the bulky fenders of the Toyota Highlander. The flares and tall grille give it some character, though interior styling isn’t as eye-catching. The Odyssey, which hasn’t had a major redesign since 2018, has SUV-inspired black trim, though its front end has a more car-like appearance. The interior offers abundant storage options. The Honda’s recent Pilot and CR-V SUVs present a stylish and functional alternative.
Advantage: Draw. While the Sienna has a nicer interior, neither vehicle’s design appeals as much as the Kia Carnival or Chrysler Pacifica.
Conclusion
The Honda Odyssey achieved a TCC Rating of 6.3 out of 10, compared with 6.7 out of 10 for the Sienna. Driving dynamics, interior space, and ride quality are all advantages for the Honda. However, the Toyota Sienna’s superior fuel economy makes a significant overall difference.
The Winner: The Toyota Sienna.
