Toyota Highlander Vs Odyssey: Which One Should You Choose? (watch Before You Buy)

When it comes to choosing a family vehicle, two popular options that often come to mind are the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Odyssey. Both offer spacious interiors, versatile seating configurations, and a range of features designed to keep families comfortable and entertained on the road. But which one is the better choice for your family? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Highlander and Odyssey offer generous interior space, with three rows of seats that can accommodate up to eight passengers. However, the Highlander has a slight edge in terms of overall passenger volume, with 141.3 cubic feet compared to the Odyssey’s 138.7 cubic feet. In terms of cargo space, the Odyssey takes the lead with 38.6 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Highlander offers 16.1 cubic feet.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Toyota Highlander comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offers a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Honda Odyssey, on the other hand, is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission and is available in FWD or AWD configurations.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Highlander and Odyssey are comparable. The Highlander returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with FWD and 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway with AWD. The Odyssey gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway with FWD and 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway with AWD.

Safety Features

Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control. The Highlander also offers a standard rearview camera, while the Odyssey has a multi-angle rearview camera system.

In terms of advanced safety features, the Highlander and Odyssey offer a range of options, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

Infotainment and Technology

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey both come equipped with user-friendly infotainment systems. The Highlander features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Odyssey has a larger 10.2-inch touchscreen display with similar smartphone integration options.

Both vehicles also offer a variety of entertainment features, such as a DVD player, satellite radio, and a premium audio system.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with strong performance and fuel efficiency, the Highlander is a great option. If you prioritize interior space, advanced safety features, and a user-friendly infotainment system, the Odyssey is worth considering.

The Verdict: A Close Call with Different Strengths

The Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey are both excellent choices for families seeking a spacious and versatile vehicle. The Highlander offers a more powerful engine, slightly better fuel efficiency, and a more rugged design, while the Odyssey has a more spacious interior, more advanced safety features, and a more user-friendly infotainment system. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?

A: The Toyota Highlander has a slight edge in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway with FWD and 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway with AWD. The Honda Odyssey gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway with FWD and 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway with AWD.

Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?

A: The Honda Odyssey has a more spacious interior, with 138.7 cubic feet of passenger volume and 38.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. The Toyota Highlander offers 141.3 cubic feet of passenger volume but only 16.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Q: Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?

A: The Honda Odyssey offers more advanced safety features as standard, including a multi-angle rearview camera system and blind-spot monitoring. The Toyota Highlander offers these features as options.