2010 Honda Odyssey vs. 2010 Toyota Sienna

Safety, fuel economy, and versatility are all important considerations for minivan owners. The Honda Odyssey excels in all three areas and is, according to Car and Driver's review of the 2009 model, "The best minivan to drive..."

It's understandable that in its ranking of Minivans for 2009, the editors of U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR) ranked the 2009 Honda Odyssey #1 and the 2009 Toyota Sienna #2 based on their analysis of published reviews and test drives for each vehicle, and their analysis of reliability and safety data. The Odyssey rated higher than Sienna in the areas of performance, interior, and safety.

"The Odyssey delivers one of the best combinations of power, handling, and interior versatility in its class. It also comes with a long list of standard convenience and safety features." USN&WR 2009 Ranking of Minivans – 2009 Honda Odyssey

Both vehicles carry over for 2010 with detail changes.

Odyssey provides outstanding safety, performance, and technology.
In addition to having technology that is optional or not available on Sienna, Odyssey has scored exceptionally well on tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

• The 2010 Odyssey received 5-star frontal crash safety ratings for driver and front passenger, 5-star side impact crash safety ratings for front and rear seating positions, and a 4-star rollover resistance rating in NHTSA tests. While scoring comparably in the other measures, the 2010 Sienna received a 4-star frontal crash safety rating for the driver.1
• While both Odyssey and Sienna received 4-star rollover resistance ratings, NHTSA analysis indicated a 14% chance of rollover for Odyssey vs. a 15% chance of rollover for Sienna.
• Odyssey's standard Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints move forward and up in a sufficient rear-end impact, helping reduce the likelihood of neck injury. Active Front Head Restraints are not offered on Sienna.
• Odyssey's standard Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) deactivates the front passenger seat-mounted side airbag if special height and position sensors in the seat determine that a child or small-statured adult is leaning into the deployment path of the airbag. Nothing comparable is listed for Sienna.
• Odyssey's standard Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure is a Honda exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Nothing comparable is listed for Sienna.
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL), which make it easier for other drivers and pedestrians to detect an approaching vehicle, are standard on Odyssey; optional on Sienna.
• Please note: Reflecting Honda's "Safety for Everyone" philosophy, all trim levels of Odyssey come standard with these safety features!

Odyssey delivers superior fuel economy.

Odyssey EX-L provides an optimum combination of power and fuel economy.

• Odyssey EX-L's unique Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) V-6 engine is programmed to run on 3, 4, or 6 cylinders, depending on the amount of power required. Using Honda's i-VTEC® technology, VCM quickly and seamlessly activates or deactivates 2 or 3 cylinders to give the best of both worlds: V-6 power when accelerating or climbing and the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine when cruising.
• Odyssey EX-L's EPA fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
• Sienna's EPA ratings are 17 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.
  Odyssey provides greater interior versatility.
  Odyssey offers room for 8 and convenient storage.
• Odyssey's unique removable 2nd-Row PlusOne Seat™ allows 8-passenger seating when required. According to Toyota.com, 8-passenger seating is only available on the CE and LE trim levels for Sienna – not on XLE or Limited models.
• When Odyssey's One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat® is up, a convenient rear storage compartment may be accessed.
• According to the ConsumerGuide.com review of the 2010 Honda Odyssey, "The third row has adult-size room..." About the 2010 Toyota Sienna, ConsumerGuide noted, "Firm third-row bench is kid-size..."

Odyssey offers a superior minivan driving experience.

Here's what several publications had to say about Odyssey.

• "The best minivan to drive, the Odyssey offers a smooth powertrain, handsome styling, and Honda build quality." Car and Driver, "2009 Honda Odyssey – Review," September 2008
• "[Odyssey] ...drives more like a luxury sedan than a big van. It's quiet and rides as smoothly as a limo. After driving an SUV, you simply won't believe how much road feel the Odyssey has on-center." Automobile, "Reviews: 2009 Honda Odyssey Touring," December 03, 2008
• "Sharp, accurate steering. A firm suspension and stiff body structure combine for good roadholding. Odyssey's tall build means noticeable body lean in fast turns, but grip and balance are nearly car-like. Stopping control is good even with a full passenger load." ConsumerGuide.com Review of 2010 Honda Odyssey

Odyssey Accolades

The Odyssey's status as the benchmark in the minivan segment is reflected in its many accolades, including: The Fit's status as the benchmark in the subcompact segment is reflected in its many accolades, including:

• Kelley Blue Book® kbb.com selection as one of 10 "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009"
• Kelley Blue Book "2009 Best Resale Value" award (Van category)
• ConsumerGuide.com "Best Buy" selection among minivans (2009)
• Car and Driver "5Best Trucks" selection (2008)
• Cars.com "Cash for Clunkers Best Bet"