2021 Honda Odyssey vs. 2021 Toyota Sienna: the stellar minivans go head-to-head!

2021 Honda Odyssey vs. 2021 Toyota Sienna: the stellar minivans go head-to-head!
2021 Honda Odyssey (left) | 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE AWD 7 seats (right)

It's an undeniable fact that both the Honda Odyssey, in production since 1994, and the Toyota Sienna, in production since August 1997, are the founding pillars of family minivans. Both Japanese minivans offered a level of technology, versatility and performance previously unseen in a segment historically dominated by American manufacturers. 

Always evolving and keeping up with the times, these two vehicles are now references in their category. In fact, it can be difficult for a new buyer to know which one to choose, especially for their latest versions. Read through this duel between the 2021 Honda Odyssey and the 2021 Toyota Sienna to better decide which one to choose! Longueuil Toyota, your reference Toyota dealer on the South Shore of Montreal, tells you why the Sienna is a better choice than the Honda minivan.

Exterior designs: very expressive features for both, but more elegance for the Toyota.

Front view of the 2021 Toyota Sienna Limited in Sunshine Blue2021 Toyota Sienna Limited | Heliographic blue

The first round of this Honda Odyssey vs Toyota Sienna matchup in Longueuil will be comparing their exterior design. And the two Japanese vans have one thing in common in this respect: they feature some very sharp and straight lines. 

However, the similarities end there. In fact, many seem to think that the lines on the Honda are less dynamic and too similar to the other models in their line-up. While it features sharp headlights and an aggressive grille, the roofline is instead more rounded, while the bottom of the side windows displays a wave-like pattern. The headlights are also very similar to those of the outgoing generation of the Civic. 

The designers of the 2021 Toyota Sienna opted instead for sportier features without going overboard. With its original, highly-sculpted headlights, a large grille located in the lower part of the front bumper, curved fenders, a very aggressive roofline ending in a spoiler, as well as chiselled rear lights, the Toyota minivan displays a very athletic and elegant silhouette. It seems to be always on the move, even when standing still. This design is a real tour de force when you consider its market segment!

If you want a minivan with a futuristic design that combines athleticism with elegance in Longueuil, Boucherville and Brossard, only the 2021 Toyota Sienna, and not the 2021 Honda Odyssey, will keep you smiling!

Technical specs: better fuel-efficiency for the Toyota!

The pearl red ruby 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE on the city road2021 Toyota Sienna XSE | Ruby Red Pearl

The antiquated design of the Honda when compared to the Toyota, as well as its lack of dynamic and expressive features, is also reflected in their technical specs. At first glance, one might think that the Honda wins this round in our 2021 Honda Odyssey VS 2021 Toyota Sienna matchup, since the only engine offered for the Honda, a 3.5 L V6 engine, delivers 280 hp. This is much more power than that offered on the Sienna.

However, that would be superficial analysis. In fact, although the 2021 Sienna has a less powerful engine (243 hp), this is actually a hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. This powertrain is more in line with the design of Toyota vans, as well as with the needs of drivers of this type of vehicle. Nowadays, drivers are increasingly looking for a vehicle that delivers a very good driving experience that does not compromise on fuel efficiency. That’s because, above all, a minivan is a utility vehicle. 

That being said, the Toyota minivan delivers more than enough power, especially when we consider the superiority of its fuel consumption over the Honda. The Honda Odyssey consumes 12.2/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) when equipped with the standard front-wheel drive and 10-speed automatic transmission. An equivalent version, such as the 2021 Sienna LE FWD equipped with a front-wheel drive and a CVT, boasts a far superior fuel rating of only 6.6/6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The 2021 Sienna offers an exceptional driving experience while delivering fuel ratings that are well below what the 2021 Odyssey can offer. 

But that's not all when comparing the specs in this 2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Sienna matchup! Unlike the Honda, which is only available with two-wheel drive, the Sienna also offers all-wheel drive. What’s more, the AWD model still manages to deliver lower fuel consumption ratings than the Odyssey with front-wheel drive (e.g. 2021 SIENNA LE AWD 8-PASS with all-wheel drive and CVT: 6.8/6.6 L/100 km respectively in city/highway fuel consumption). So, if you want to enjoy all the versatility that a minivan can offers and excellent performance, as well as the freedom to choose your drivetrain, all without breaking the bank at the pump, there’s nothing like the 2021 Sienna.

Interior of the 2021 Sienna: versatile, durable and very well equipped!

2021 Toyota Sienna XSE interior including Graphite seats Graphite interior | 2021 Toyota Sienna XSE
2021 Toyota Sienna XSE interior including Moonstone seats Moonstone interior | Toyota Sienna XSE 2021

book a test drive of the 2021 Toyota Sienna

The Toyota minivan clearly wins by a landslide over the 2021 Honda Odyssey. But it would be a pity to end this 2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Sienna comparison here, since we haven’t talked about the best thing about the 2021 Sienna: its interior! First of all, Toyota gives you the freedom to choose between 7 or 8 seats, making it very versatile and able to adapt to your needs. The Honda, for its part, only offers a version with 8 seats. 

The quality of the finish and the impeccable workmanship are exactly what you would expect from a Toyota: it uses the most durable materials exclusively, and its careful assembly ensures they are built to last. Its ergonomics are also top-notch, with the controls laid out to make every function easy to reach. 

That being said, it is the onboard equipment that will surprise you the most. Whether it's a 12-speaker JBL sound system, a sunroof, wireless charging, or its four-zone automatic climate control, depending on the version you choose, you'll have everything you need and more to enjoy your daily commute in comfort and style!

Verdict: Picking the 2021 Sienna over the 2021 Honda Odyssey is the safe bet!

Rear 3/4 view of the 2021 Toyota Sienna Limited on the road and winner of the duel The 2021 Toyota Sienna Limited on the road

learn more about the 2021 Toyota Sienna...

We’ve reached the conclusion of our 2021 Honda Odyssey vs Toyota Sienna comparison. With its more athletic look, its fiery but frugal powertrain, and its versatile and well-equipped interior, the Toyota minivan easily wins this matchup against the 2021 Honda Odyssey, which still remains a solid option. 

Are you not fully convinced by the verdict of this 2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Sienna duel? We invite you to contact our team of specialists at Longueuil Toyota! We will be happy to show you all the advantages of the 2021 Sienna in person. We’ll also make sure you get the best of our ongoing Toyota offers and Toyota leasing and financing plans, which make it easier than ever to drive home with your own Toyota minivan. We look forward to seeing you at the dealership!

2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Sienna: Specs Summary.

Model Version Seats Engine/power/ torque Wheel/gearbox Consumption city/highway (L/100 KM)
2021 Odyssey EX-RES 8 3.5 L V6/280 hp/262 lb-ft  FWD/ 10-Speed Automatic 12.2/8.5
EX-L NAVI
EX-L RES
Touring
2021 SIENNA LE FWD 8-PASS 8 2.5 L 4-cylinder + hybrid system/243 hp /N/A FWD/CVT 6.6/6.5
LE AWD 8-PASS AWD/CVT 6.8/6.6
XLE FWD 8-PASS FWD /CVT 6.6/6.5
XLE AWD 7-PASS 7 AWD/CVT 6.8/6.6
XSE FWD 7-PASS FWD/CVT 6.6/6.5
XSE AWD 7-PASS AWD/CVT 6.8/6.6
LIMITED FWD 7-PASS FWD/CVT 6.6/6.5
LIMITED AWD 7-PASS AWD/CVT 6.8/6.6

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