2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, last redesigned 12 years ago, had a design that aged remarkably well. Most versions adopted a gape-mouthed and angry visage, except for the chrome-festooned 4Runner Limited. The two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches broadcasted balanced proportions, timeless styling, and undeniable utility. Toyota offered the 4Runner in SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trim levels, with special editions for each series. Pricing ranged from $36,950 for a 4Runner SR5 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) to $50,570 for a TRD Pro with standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The test vehicle, a new-for-2021 Trail Special Edition, was priced at $38,565 MSRP for the RWD model, with an additional $1,875 for 4WD. The Trail Special Edition featured black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, a sliding rear cargo tray, and an exclusive custom-made 40-quart cooler.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management for fuel conservation. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and testing averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling qualities contributed to a pleasurable driving experience, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride. The brakes, however, did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during testing in a heatwave.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, with its 4.0-liter V6 engine, produced 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with manual shifting for the part-time 4WD drivetrain. The Trail Special Edition did not offer automatic 4WD. The maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds. The 4Runner excelled off-road, tackling mud, hills, and ruts with ease, thanks to its A-Trac off-road traction control system. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow, heavy, and clunky, with challenging steering and braking. The SUV's truck-like driving characteristics added to its charm but required frequent gas station stops, with an EPA estimate of 17 mpg in combined driving and testing averaging 16.8 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating modes, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner sat high off the ground, posing a challenge for shorter individuals. Once inside, the 4Runner offered comfortable front and rear seats, with generous legroom, good visibility, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports in the back seat. The test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck that held 440 pounds, taking up some cargo volume but proving useful. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's big roof rack added to the storage capacity.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and five USB ports. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, dynamic point-of-interest search, dynamic voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist concierge services. The infotainment system's physical shortcut buttons and volume and tuning knobs made it easy to use, even while wearing gloves. The voice recognition technology was effective, and the navigation map included main trails at Hungry Valley.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. Honda Sensing included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning system could be smoother. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating for driver protection in a small overlap frontal-impact collision from the IIHS. The SUV's age likely contributed to these lower ratings.