Ultimate crossover showdown: toyota highlander vs honda odyssey – who wins?

In the realm of family vehicles, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey stand as two formidable contenders. Both SUVs boast spacious interiors, advanced technology, and impressive safety features. But which one emerges victorious in the battle for family supremacy? This comprehensive comparison will pit the Toyota Highlander against the Honda Odyssey, examining their key attributes to determine the ultimate winner.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engines: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower or a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower. The Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid excels with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, while the gasoline-powered Highlander delivers 21 mpg combined. The Odyssey trails behind with an EPA-estimated 19 mpg combined.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Highlander and Odyssey provide ample interior space for families. The Highlander offers seating for up to eight passengers with three rows of seats, while the Odyssey features seven seats with two rows of captain’s chairs in the second row.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, which expands to 84.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Odyssey boasts 38.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 158.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Technology and Features

The Highlander and Odyssey come loaded with advanced technology features. The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a JBL premium audio system, and a panoramic moonroof. The Odyssey counters with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose premium audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch screens.

Safety Features

Both the Highlander and Odyssey have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander starts at an MSRP of $35,255, while the Honda Odyssey starts at an MSRP of $32,910. The price difference between the two vehicles is minimal, but the Highlander offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid option.

The Verdict

In the battle of the family SUVs, the Toyota Highlander edges out the Honda Odyssey as the victor. The Highlander offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid option, a slightly more spacious interior, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Odyssey offers a more advanced infotainment system and a rear-seat entertainment system, these features come at a premium price.

For families seeking a well-rounded SUV with excellent fuel efficiency, ample interior space, and a high level of safety, the Toyota Highlander is the superior choice.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers a better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, compared to the Honda Odyssey’s 19 mpg combined.

Q: Which vehicle has more cargo space?
A: The Honda Odyssey offers more cargo space with 38.6 cubic feet behind the third row and 158.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down, compared to the Toyota Highlander‘s 16.1 cubic feet and 84.3 cubic feet, respectively.

Q: Which vehicle has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Honda Odyssey has a more advanced infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rear-seat entertainment system.