Honda odyssey vs toyota grand highlander: which one offers the best bang for your buck?

When it comes to spacious and versatile family vehicles, the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Grand Highlander stand out as two formidable options. Both minivans offer an array of features, ample seating, and advanced safety technologies. If you’re in the market for a minivan, understanding the differences between these two contenders is crucial for making an informed decision.

Interior Space and Comfort

Seating Capacity and Configuration

The Honda Odyssey offers seating for up to eight passengers, with a standard 2-3-3 layout. The Toyota Grand Highlander, on the other hand, can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers, with a choice of 2-3-2 or 2-2-3 configurations. Both minivans provide ample legroom and headroom for all occupants.

Cargo Capacity

When it comes to cargo space, the Honda Odyssey has a slight edge over the Grand Highlander. With the third row folded down, the Odyssey offers 38.6 cubic feet of space, while the Grand Highlander offers 37 cubic feet. With both rows folded down, the Odyssey provides a cavernous 158 cubic feet of cargo capacity, compared to the Grand Highlander’s 144 cubic feet.

Performance and Fuel Economy

Engine and Powertrain

The Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Grand Highlander also features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, but it produces slightly less power at 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Honda Odyssey achieves slightly better fuel economy than the Grand Highlander. According to the EPA, the Odyssey gets an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the Grand Highlander gets 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Features and Technology

Infotainment Systems

Both the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Grand Highlander come with advanced infotainment systems. The Odyssey features a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Grand Highlander offers a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration features.

Safety Technologies

Safety is a top priority for both minivans. The Honda Odyssey comes standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features that includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Toyota Grand Highlander also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which includes lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Price and Value

Starting Prices

The Honda Odyssey has a starting MSRP of $34,710, while the Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $36,650.

Value Proposition

Both minivans offer excellent value for their respective price points. The Odyssey provides a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Grand Highlander offers a slightly more luxurious interior, a larger infotainment screen, and a more powerful engine.

Wrap-Up

Ultimately, the choice between the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Grand Highlander depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize interior space, fuel economy, and a lower starting price, the Honda Odyssey is a solid choice. If you’re looking for a more luxurious interior, a larger infotainment screen, and a more powerful engine, the Toyota Grand Highlander is worth considering.

What You Need to Know

1. Which minivan has more seating capacity?
The Honda Odyssey has a seating capacity of up to eight passengers, while the Toyota Grand Highlander can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers.

2. Which minivan has better fuel economy?
The Honda Odyssey has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Grand Highlander, with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

3. Which minivan has a larger infotainment screen?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while the Honda Odyssey has an 8-inch touchscreen.

4. Which minivan has a more powerful engine?
The Toyota Grand Highlander has a slightly more powerful engine than the Honda Odyssey, producing 295 horsepower compared to 280 horsepower.

5. Which minivan is more affordable?
The Honda Odyssey has a lower starting price than the Toyota Grand Highlander, starting at $34,710 compared to $36,650.