2017 Honda odyssey vs 2018 Honda odyssey vs 2017 Toyota highlander
Reliability Side-by-Side
2017
Honda odyssey
Grade A-
A top-tier minivan offering exceptional utility and overall reliability, though specific component weaknesses require careful consideration.
2018
Honda odyssey
Grade B
A superb family hauler, but its 10-speed transmission and electronics require vigilance and may lead to elevated repair costs.
2017
Toyota highlander
Grade A-
A supremely reliable family SUV that provides peace of mind and strong value for years to come.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2017 Toyota highlander
Score 92/100 vs 88/100
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2017 Honda odyssey | 2018 Honda odyssey | 2017 Toyota highlander★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $400-600 | $500-700 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally | $1,000-2,500 occasionally (e.g., sliding door, infotainment) | $500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., major brake job, suspension components) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 19 / 27 | 19 / 28 | 21 / 27 |
| MSRP (New) | $29,850 | $30,090 | $32,630 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2017 Honda odyssey
Transmission (ZF 9-speed)
40,000-80,000 mi
Power Sliding Doors
30,000-70,000 mi
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
80,000-120,000 mi
2018 Honda odyssey
10-speed Automatic Transmission
40,000-80,000 mi
Infotainment System
15,000-50,000 mi
Power Sliding Doors
30,000-70,000 mi
2017 Toyota highlander
Infotainment System
Any mileage (software-related) mi
Braking System
30,000-60,000 mi
8-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.5L V6)
Any mileage (characteristic-based) mi
Get the Full Report on Each
7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair costs, and expert verdict for each vehicle.
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Editorial Take
When comparing family vehicles from the 2017 and 2018 model years, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Highlander frequently enter consideration, despite one being a minivan and the other a three-row SUV. Families prioritizing maximum interior space, passenger comfort, and versatile cargo solutions often lean towards the Odyssey. Conversely, buyers seeking available all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and a more rugged SUV aesthetic tend to favor the Highlander. Key decision factors revolve around practicality versus capability, fuel efficiency, driver engagement, and long-term reliability. The 2017 Odyssey represents the outgoing generation, while the 2018 model launched a completely redesigned version, making it an "old vs. new" minivan comparison against a stalwart SUV. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2017 Honda Odyssey: As the final year of its generation, many kinks were worked out. However, some owners reported issues with the power sliding doors, which can experience motor failures or alignment problems over time, especially after extensive use. Another less frequent but known Honda issue is torque converter shudder in some earlier V6 models, though it was less prevalent by 2017. Air conditioning condenser leaks have also been observed in some units at higher mileages. 2018 Honda Odyssey: Being a first-year redesign, some early adopters encountered issues. The all-new infotainment system, while advanced, sometimes suffered from software glitches, freezing, or slow response times, often addressed by subsequent software updates. The 10-speed automatic transmission in higher trims, while efficient, occasionally received complaints about hesitant or rough shifting characteristics, particularly at low speeds, which Honda often refined through calibration updates. Power sliding door malfunctions continued to be a reported issue for a small percentage of owners. 2017 Toyota Highlander: The 2017 model received a significant refresh. Some owners reported the Entune infotainment system could be slow to respond or occasionally freeze. Specific to certain batches, there was a recall for a potential fuel pump issue that could cause stalling, though this was addressed by dealers. Rear suspension noise, such as clunking or thumping sounds, was also reported by a small number of owners, sometimes attributed to worn bushings or loose components.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When new, the starting MSRPs were quite competitive. Today, as used vehicles, the 2017 Odyssey will typically be the most affordable of the three, reflecting its status as an outgoing generation minivan. The 2017 Highlander generally commands a slightly higher used price due to its SUV body style and available AWD, which contributes to stronger resale value. The 2018 Odyssey, being a full redesign, will hold its value better than the 2017 Odyssey and often carries a higher used price tag, approaching or even exceeding that of a comparable 2017 Highlander. Insurance costs for all three are generally moderate, typical for family-oriented vehicles, though newer models with more advanced safety and technology features might see slightly higher premiums. Maintenance costs are reasonable for both Honda and Toyota, as both brands are known for their reliability and availability of parts. The Highlander’s V6 engine might require slightly more expensive spark plug changes, and its available AWD system could add minor complexity to maintenance. Both brands enjoy strong resale value, with Toyota often having a marginal edge in the SUV segment, though the redesigned 2018 Odyssey closes that gap significantly for minivans.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2017 Honda odyssey
Products for 2018 Honda odyssey
Products for 2017 Toyota highlander
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