Today, we're matching up the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota
Sienna, two of the most in-demand minivans on the used
market today.
Which one has the best features?
Which one has the best ride?
And which one is the modern family Swiss army knife
that you need in your life?
We'll answer all that and more today
with this 2019 Honda Odyssey and this 2020 Toyota Sienna.
Hi, I'm Ryan from Edmunds.
Each year we painstakingly test and review hundreds of cars,
while CarMax experts buy, sell, and appraise
thousands and thousands.
We're combining our car testing knowledge
with their experience to help you make the right choice
on your next car.
But before we get into that, be sure to click Like
and subscribe to the CarMax channel
for more videos like this.
And if you'd like to read a full in-depth article on how
these two models stack up against each other,
click the link in the description below.
The first thing you need to know about the Odyssey
and the Sienna is which versions to look for.
This current version of the Honda Odyssey debuted in 2018.
So this model is the second year that it was in production.
It's known for two things--
a clever interior and a composed drive.
On average, CarMax sells 2019 Odysseys
for a little over $35,000 depending
on things like the trim level, mileage, options,
and other factors.
This Sienna is a little different.
Toyota made this version from 2011 to 2020,
which means this is the final year of the older generation.
It's still impressive.
And you're more likely to score a deal on one.
CarMax sells the 2020 Sienna for an average
of just under $35,000, again depending
on trim level, mileage, options, and other factors.
Let's climb inside and see what these two minivans look
like inside the cabin, you know, before it's all
covered in spilled juice and Cheeto powder.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Honda has a reputation for solid construction.
And this Odyssey is a good example.
I like the materials like the soft dash,
comfortable armrests, and even some cool plastics,
which is not a given in some minivans.
Actually using the space is another strength.
It is really roomy in here.
Whether you're in the front row or the second or third,
there is a lot of headroom.
And passengers in the back can even
stretch the legs out a bit.
Now in our Edmunds testing we found
that the front seats are nicely cushioned and very supportive,
too.
So they'll ease your stresses.
Same goes for the second row.
However, the third is a little bit cramped.
So save that for short trips or that one friend of your kids
that you secretly don't like.
Now technology is the first place
where the Odyssey slips up.
Personally, I don't like that there
aren't any physical buttons on the screen,
save for this little volume knob, thankfully.
And in our Edmunds testing, we've
noted multiple problems with the 8 inch screen that
comes on the EX trim and up.
Sometimes it will drop your smartphone connection.
Other times it will start glitching
and sometimes it just goes completely dark.
Now, some models that you may find
could have this worked out.
So just be aware of it.
We've also found that the voice controls don't understand you
as clearly as those in some other systems.
However, the intercom system that
comes on some trims, that's pretty neat.
So look for the EXL trim with navigation and the RES package
if you'd like to get that.
Now, let's head over to the Sienna
and see how that interior checks out.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
So, yeah, Toyota did not take the same approach
with its Sienna.
And I can't deliver the same glowing verdict
that the Odyssey got once we're inside.
First of all, there's just a lot of hard material in here.
And this whole entire center area is basically plastic city.
I mean sure it'd be easy to wipe and clean,
but it's not looking real nice from where I'm sitting.
Toyota did step up the cushiness, though,
with these leather seats.
It feels like they're giving me a hug.
However, they fall a little bit flat when it comes to support.
So on long trips, you and your passengers
may find yourselves making a lot of adjustments
just to stay comfortable.
One plus side is that on upper trims,
there are available foot rests in the second row.
That's pretty sweet.
Tech-wise, all Siennas comes standard with a 7-inch screen,
so you don't need to upgrade to get
to a better unit or anything.
It does work really well.
There are just three things you need to know.
First of all, the buttons are all really small.
The graphics look pretty old.
And if sunlight catches it, it washes the whole thing out
and becomes really difficult to see.
Now, if you have an iPhone, it's very simple
to just connect and boot up Apple carplay.
For you Android users, though, sorry, but no Android auto.
Instead you have to go through Toyota's mobile app called
Intune.
And in our Edmunds testing, we have just never
been fans of that app.
On the plus side, just like in the Odyssey,
there's an available intercom on upper levels of the Sienna.
And that makes it pretty fun to play tricks on your kids
in the back.
For me, the Odyssey interior is the better choice.
I find it more intuitive and more dressed up.
If I'm going to be in a minivan, I
want to feel like I'm being rewarded for the decision.
Now, there is plenty of space in the Sienna
but it seems like there are lots of barriers to drag it down,
whether that's downgraded materials or screen that
feels about five years older than it is.
A cool intercom is more widely available in the Sienna
than in the Odyssey.
But it's not enough to save it.
But what about behind the wheel?
Let's see how these two behave once we get them on the road.
What if you stretched a sports sedan into a minivan, the Honda
Odyssey.
Under the hood, you get a 3.5 liter V6 engine.
And it has no trouble getting up to speed.
The Odyssey has a firm suspension for a minivan.
That makes it ride a little rough over bumps
in the pavement.
But it also results in handling that is pretty shocking
for a van, and can clearly handle curves better
than the rest of the class.
Stick with the 18-inch wheels.
Because we found the 19s on the elite trim
are not advisable for people sensitive to ride comfort.
The Odyssey glides with impressive quiet
inside the cabin.
Honda used insulating glass windows
to keep the noise out, as long as you don't
have chaos in the back seats.
We also like the transmission.
It's a 10 speed automatic in this model
and it works well with the V6.
Shifts are smooth so you don't feel the car jumping
around all 10 gears.
Instead, you can quickly shift down for power
or ease into better efficiency when you need.
It stays out of the way--
a good thing.
The Sienna has a lot going for it.
But can it put all the pieces together on the road?
Just like the Odyssey, this van has a 3.5 liter V6 engine
that is not wanting for power.
This baby feels lively and available
all wheel drive is a big advantage.
Things get messy elsewhere, though.
The Sienna wants to be smooth and doesn't
like dynamic driving.
The steering is light, meaning you don't
get much feel for the road.
The body moves around under hard turns.
Now, the brakes feel pretty good--
not as strong as the Odyssey, but confident.
The Sienna is easy to drive, but it just
isn't as cohesive in experience as the Odyssey.
The transmission is a great example.
It's an eight speed automatic.
And from time to time, it's not in lockstep with the engine.
Sometimes it's jumpy, sometimes too laggy.
Sadly, it struggles to find a rhythm.
The Sienna is simply more comfortable than the Odyssey
on the road, however.
Its suspension handles bumps and cracks really
well during our Edmunds testing, ensuring
you won't feel much disturbance inside.
This is a cloud-like experience.
You deserve that.
You're doing great.
Honda has the clear winner here.
The Odyssey does everything you'd want in a minivan.
It has the power you need and a surprising deftness to it
everywhere else.
Sure, a little extra comfort would help.
But behind the wheel, it's a gem.
The Sienna isn't going to be for everyone.
Speed isn't an issue, but the rest of its driving performance
sadly is.
It just doesn't feel very focused or precise on the road.
You get superior comfort, but it doesn't pay
for over the Sienna's flaws.
Minivans have hidden tricks galore.
Here's how to make the most out of the Odyssey.
First, look for the EX trim and up.
That way, you get power doors that slide to the left.
Sorry.
The second row also slides laterally, like this,
to give you superb access to the third row.
Once back there, the seats recline, which is great.
We also think the Odyssey is great for child seats.
The anchors are easy to find.
The sliding row helps.
And there's space for big, rear-facing seats.
The Odyssey offers a lot of cargo space
and this underfloor storage helps a lot, too.
You can drop the third row down there like this.
It isn't power, but it's easy to do.
The LX and EX trims get the most space behind the first row.
Unfortunately, the second row is tough to remove.
So don't plan on doing it at ton.
When it comes to fuel economy, the Odyssey
is not our favorite.
Its ratings are fine on the surface.
An EPA rated 22 MPG combined is right in line
with other front wheel drive minivans.
But on our Edmunds evaluation loop,
the Odyssey underperformed that number.
So just consider your driving style before buying one.
Not to be outdone, the Sienna has a few of its own strengths.
For power sliding doors on the Sienna,
you want the LE trim or up.
And speaking of sliding, it's a big plus here,
because the second row rolls all this way back or forward,
creating easy access and as much legroom as you need.
For car seats, you can leave them
installed while sliding the second row, which is cool.
Finding the anchors is easy, but the leather around them
is hard to move and the tethers are hidden.
I wouldn't want to deal with that over and over.
Cargo time.
The Sienna is a stellar choice.
There is plenty of room behind the third row.
The load floor is nice and low and almost completely flat
when folded.
There's good space behind the front row, too, but still less
than the Odyssey.
However, the Sienna makes it pretty easy
to remove the second row seats, like this.
They're heavy, but I'm incredibly strong so it's cool.
At the pump, the Sienna fared better than the Odyssey.
It has similar EPA ratings of 21 MPG combined with front wheel
drive.
But on our Edmunds evaluation loop,
the Sienna actually outperformed its own number.
Its engine and transmission are geared toward economy.
The Honda is handy.
We really like its versatility and the ease of use,
especially when it comes to child seats.
It's also really spacious.
The biggest downside is fuel economy,
but that's the price for a better driving experience.
Toyota checked all of the right boxes
with interior space and storage.
It has more room behind the third row and better fuel
economy.
I think that edges out the Odyssey this time.
It is no surprise that both of these minivans
are at the top of the list for a lot of buyers.
Each one is spacious and offers handy features
to help you get through that ever-increasing to do list.
The Honda is the superior choice from behind the wheel,
which earns it a soft spot in my heart.
Sure, your kids won't be as comfortable in the back,
but your kids aren't the ones with the cash--
you are.
On the other hand, the Sienna makes a lot of sense,
and not just because of the smooth ride.
It's also enormous inside, and that sliding second row
is a big help.
I just have trouble getting over its dated interior
and technology.
But which is going to be the choice for you?
Let us know in the comments below.
And don't forget to subscribe to CarMax
for more videos like this one.
To read an article about the pros and cons of each vehicle
click the link in the description below.