What To Know
- While the Highlander offers a more SUV-like feel, the Odyssey’s minivan design gives it the clear edge in overall space and passenger comfort.
- The Highlander’s optional V6 engine and all-wheel-drive system give it a slight edge in performance, while the Odyssey’s fuel efficiency is a significant advantage.
- The Highlander’s SUV design offers a higher ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability, making it a good choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities or live in areas with inclement weather.
Choosing the perfect family vehicle is a big decision. You need something spacious, reliable, safe, and comfortable enough to accommodate everyone (and all their gear) for long road trips and daily commutes. Two vehicles that consistently top the list for families are the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Odyssey. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one truly reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a head-to-head comparison to help you make the right choice.
Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone and Everything
When it comes to family vehicles, space is king. The Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey both excel in this area, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.
The Highlander, a three-row SUV, boasts a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to eight passengers. The second-row seats can be easily folded down to create a flat cargo floor, providing plenty of space for luggage, groceries, or even bulky items.
The Odyssey, a minivan, takes spaciousness to another level. Its clever design maximizes interior space, offering seating for up to eight passengers and a cavernous cargo area. The Odyssey also features Honda‘s innovative “Magic Slide” second-row seats, which can be easily adjusted to provide extra legroom or access to the third row.
Verdict: While the Highlander offers a more SUV-like feel, the Odyssey’s minivan design gives it the clear edge in overall space and passenger comfort.
Performance and Handling: A Smooth Ride for the Whole Family
Both the Highlander and Odyssey prioritize a smooth and comfortable ride, making them ideal for long journeys with the family.
The Highlander is available with a variety of powertrain options, including a powerful V6 engine that provides ample acceleration and towing capacity. Its all-wheel-drive system offers enhanced traction and stability on slippery roads.
The Odyssey, powered by a smooth and efficient V6 engine, delivers a balanced blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Its well-tuned suspension provides a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
Verdict: Both vehicles offer a comfortable and capable driving experience. The Highlander’s optional V6 engine and all-wheel-drive system give it a slight edge in performance, while the Odyssey’s fuel efficiency is a significant advantage.
Safety and Technology: Keeping Your Family Safe and Entertained
Safety is paramount when choosing a family vehicle, and both the Highlander and Odyssey prioritize this aspect.
The Highlander comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more.
The Odyssey also boasts an impressive safety package, featuring Honda Sensing, which includes similar features to Toyota Safety Sense. It also offers optional features like a rearview camera with wide-view display and blind spot monitoring.
Both vehicles offer a range of technology features to keep passengers entertained and connected. The Highlander features an intuitive infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Odyssey offers a similar system with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional features like a rear-seat entertainment system.
Verdict: Both vehicles offer excellent safety features and advanced technology. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features that are most important to you.
Fuel Efficiency: Balancing Performance and Economy
Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many families, and both the Highlander and Odyssey offer impressive fuel economy ratings.
The Highlander’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration, but it generally achieves around 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The Odyssey, thanks to its efficient V6 engine and aerodynamic design, boasts slightly better fuel economy, averaging around 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Verdict: The Odyssey edges out the Highlander in fuel efficiency, offering a slight advantage in terms of gas mileage.
Versatility and Practicality: Adapting to Your Family’s Needs
Both the Highlander and Odyssey are incredibly versatile and practical vehicles that can adapt to your family’s changing needs.
The Highlander’s SUV design offers a higher ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability, making it a good choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities or live in areas with inclement weather.
The Odyssey’s minivan design provides unparalleled cargo space and passenger comfort, making it ideal for families who prioritize spaciousness and functionality. Its sliding doors and low floor height make it easy to load and unload passengers and cargo.
Verdict: The choice between the Highlander and Odyssey depends on your priorities. If you need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain or inclement weather, the Highlander is a good option. If you prioritize space and practicality, the Odyssey is the clear winner.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Family Hauler
Ultimately, the decision between the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize a more SUV-like feel and handling.
- You need a vehicle with all-wheel-drive capability.
- You value a powerful engine and towing capacity.
Choose the Honda Odyssey if:
- You need the ultimate in passenger and cargo space.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency.
- You want a vehicle with innovative features like the “Magic Slide” seats.
Both vehicles offer exceptional safety, technology, and comfort, making them excellent choices for families. The key is to identify your priorities and choose the vehicle that best meets your needs.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which vehicle is more reliable?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey are known for their reliability. Toyota and Honda consistently rank high in reliability surveys, so you can be confident in the long-term durability of either vehicle.
Q: Which vehicle is better for long road trips?
A: Both vehicles are well-suited for long road trips. The Highlander offers a more comfortable ride and a powerful engine for highway driving, while the Odyssey’s spacious interior and numerous features make it ideal for keeping passengers entertained.
Q: Which vehicle is better for city driving?
A: The Odyssey’s maneuverability and fuel efficiency make it a good choice for city driving. However, the Highlander’s higher ground clearance and all-wheel-drive capability can be beneficial in urban areas with rough roads or inclement weather.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Honda Odyssey is generally more affordable than the Toyota Highlander. However, both vehicles offer a range of trims and options, so the final price can vary depending on your chosen configuration.
Q: Which vehicle has better resale value?
A: Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Odyssey have excellent resale value. Toyota and Honda vehicles are known for their durability and reliability, which contributes to their high resale value.
