2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Toyota Sienna
Reliability Side-by-Side
2021
Honda Odyssey
Grade A-
A top-tier minivan for reliability, with only minor modern tech and convenience feature quirks.
2021
Toyota Sienna
Grade A-
A supremely reliable and efficient family hauler, nearly unmatched in its class for long-term value.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2021 Toyota Sienna
Score 92/100 vs 89/100
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2021 Toyota Sienna
$450-650
Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2021 Honda Odyssey | 2021 Toyota Sienna★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $500-700 | $450-650 |
| Moderate Repairs | $500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., sliding door motor, A/C repairs) | $400-1,000 occasionally (e.g., power door motor, infotainment module) |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 19 / 28 | 36 / 36 |
| MSRP (New) | $32,090 | $34,460 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2021 Honda Odyssey
Power Sliding Doors
30,000-70,000 mi
Infotainment System
5,000-40,000 mi
HVAC System
40,000-80,000 mi
2021 Toyota Sienna
Power Sliding Doors
15,000-45,000 mi
Infotainment System
Any mileage mi
Front Suspension/Steering
New to 10,000 mi
Get the Full Report on Each
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Editorial Take
The 2021 Honda Odyssey and 2021 Toyota Sienna stand as two of the most popular and formidable contenders in the minivan segment. Both vehicles are meticulously engineered to serve the demanding needs of families, offering expansive interiors, advanced safety features, and a blend of comfort and practicality. Families frequently cross-shop these two minivans due to their sterling reputations for reliability, passenger capacity, and thoughtful amenities designed for long journeys or daily errands. Key decision factors often revolve around driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, available all-wheel drive, and specific interior configurations. Those prioritizing a more engaging driving experience and maximum cargo flexibility might lean towards the Odyssey, while buyers seeking unparalleled fuel economy and the option of all-wheel drive will find the Sienna highly appealing. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
Honda Odyssey: For the 2021 Odyssey, some owners have reported minor issues related to the infotainment system, including occasional freezing or slow responses across various trim levels. While not widespread, some users have also noted early wear on original equipment tires, which can sometimes be attributed to alignment issues or specific driving styles. Historically, Honda vans have had occasional sliding door motor issues, but these are significantly less prevalent in the 2021 fifth-generation model. Toyota Sienna: Being an all-new hybrid model for 2021, the Sienna benefits from Toyota's long-standing expertise in hybrid technology, which is generally very robust. However, some early adopters have mentioned minor quirks with the infotainment interface, similar to other vehicles in the segment. Some drivers, especially those new to hybrids, might notice the unique sound of the regenerative braking system or a slightly less refined engine note when the gasoline engine kicks in under heavy acceleration. Long-term reliability of the new hybrid system is expected to be excellent, building on Toyota's proven track record.
Value & Cost of Ownership
When considering the value and cost of ownership, both the 2021 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna present compelling cases, though with differing strengths. The initial purchase price for the Sienna was slightly higher, starting at $34,460 compared to the Odyssey's $32,090. However, the Sienna's hybrid powertrain significantly reduces fuel costs, especially for drivers who cover many miles or spend time in city traffic. With its 36 combined MPG, the Sienna can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars annually in fuel compared to the Odyssey's 22 combined MPG. In terms of used vehicle pricing, the Sienna, particularly the hybrid model, is projected to maintain a slightly stronger resale value due to its exceptional fuel economy and Toyota's renowned reputation for bulletproof reliability. Both vehicles generally have competitive insurance costs for their segment, though the Sienna's hybrid components could potentially lead to slightly higher repair costs in the event of an accident. Routine maintenance costs for the Sienna might be slightly lower over the long term, as hybrid systems often reduce wear on components like brakes due to regenerative braking. Toyota's strong reliability record also typically translates to fewer unscheduled repairs. Overall, while both are solid investments, the Sienna typically edges out the Odyssey in long-term cost of ownership thanks to its superior fuel economy and expected strong resale value.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: The 2021 Honda Odyssey is best for families who need the absolute maximum in cargo flexibility, regularly removing or reconfiguring seats, and who appreciate a more engaging, car-like driving experience. Its Magic Slide seats and superior maximum cargo volume make it incredibly versatile for hauling gear or large families. The 2021 Toyota Sienna is ideal for families embarking on frequent long road trips, prioritizing exceptional fuel economy and available all-wheel drive for adverse weather conditions. Its comfortable ride and spacious second row make it a superb highway cruiser. Best for commuters: The 2021 Toyota Sienna is the undisputed winner for commuters due to its outstanding fuel economy. Achieving 36 combined MPG means significantly lower running costs on daily drives, and its smooth, quiet ride makes even the longest commutes more pleasant. The 2021 Honda Odyssey, while not as fuel-efficient, offers a more dynamic driving experience that might appeal to commuters who prefer a more responsive vehicle. Best for enthusiasts: The 2021 Honda Odyssey is the closer option for anyone seeking even a hint of "enthusiast" appeal in a minivan. Its stronger V6 engine, quicker acceleration, and more confident handling make it feel less like a traditional minivan and more like a larger SUV behind the wheel. The 2021 Toyota Sienna, while highly competent, is not designed with enthusiast drivers in mind, focusing squarely on efficiency and comfort. Best value overall: The 2021 Toyota Sienna offers the best overall value due to its significantly lower running costs courtesy of its hybrid powertrain, coupled with Toyota's legendary reliability and expected strong resale value. Its initial higher MSRP is often offset by these long-term savings. The 2021 Honda Odyssey still offers good value with its strong performance and versatility, but its higher fuel consumption and potentially slightly lower resale value make it a marginally less cost-effective choice over the long term.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2021 Honda Odyssey
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