Which is better of the 2023 Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna?
When it comes to the highly competitive minivan market, the 2023 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna stand out as two of the top contenders. Both offer a winning combination of spaciousness, family-friendly features, and impressive performance, making it a tough choice for buyers. In this article, we'll dive deep into the key differences between these two minivans to help you determine which one is the better fit for your needs.
Exterior Design and Styling
The 2023 Honda Odyssey boasts a sleek and modern exterior design, with a bold front grille, sculpted body lines, and a streamlined silhouette. In contrast, the Toyota Sienna has a more traditional minivan look, with a boxy shape and a more conservative front-end design. While the Odyssey's styling may appeal to those seeking a more contemporary aesthetic, the Sienna's classic minivan appearance could be preferred by buyers looking for a more familiar and family-oriented look.
Interior Comfort and Versatility
Both the Odyssey and Sienna offer spacious and well-appointed interiors, but there are some notable differences. The Odyssey features a more traditional three-row seating layout, with the second-row seats able to slide and fold for easy access to the third row. The Sienna, on the other hand, offers a more flexible seating configuration, with available second-row captain's chairs that can slide and recline, as well as a fold-down middle seat for added versatility.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2023 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, comes standard with a hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 245 horsepower. This hybrid setup gives the Sienna a significant advantage in fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, compared to the Odyssey's 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Technology and Safety Features
Both the Odyssey and Sienna come packed with a wide range of advanced technology and safety features. The Odyssey offers a user-friendly infotainment system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna, meanwhile, boasts a similar suite of tech and safety features, as well as the added convenience of a built-in vacuum cleaner and an available 360-degree camera system.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between the 2023 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Odyssey offers a more traditional minivan experience with a powerful V6 engine and a sleek exterior design, while the Sienna's hybrid powertrain and flexible seating configuration may appeal to families seeking maximum efficiency and versatility. Ultimately, both minivans are excellent choices that will provide a comfortable and capable ride for your family, so the decision may come down to the specific features and amenities that are most important to you.
Is Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna more reliable?
Both the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey are highly reliable minivans, but the Toyota Sienna is often considered slightly more reliable for long-term peace of mind. The Sienna's reputation is built on its consistent performance and hybrid powertrain, while the Odyssey, although highly rated, has had some model years with reported issues affecting long-term dependability.
Toyota Sienna
- Strengths: Considered by many experts to have a stronger long-term reliability reputation, partly due to its hybrid system. The hybrid powertrain offers better fuel economy and comes with long-term warranties on the hybrid components, which can lead to significant savings.
- Potential drawbacks: The hybrid powertrain can feel less powerful in some situations, and some repairs, like replacing rear spark plugs, can be more complex.
Honda Odyssey
- Strengths: Often has a higher J.D. Power reliability rating, with more standard safety features and features like the Magic Slide rear seats, notes Planet Honda New Hampshire.
- Potential drawbacks: Has had a few model years with reports of issues that may impact its long-term reliability. Some maintenance tasks, such as spark plug replacement, can be more time-consuming than in other minivans.
Conclusion
- For maximum peace of mind and lower running costs: The Toyota Sienna is generally the slightly more reliable choice, especially considering its hybrid system's long-term warranty and excellent fuel efficiency.
- For a more engaging driving experience and more versatile interior: The Honda Odyssey is a great option, but it is important to research specific model years to avoid any potential reliability issues that may have been reported in the past.
What are the negatives of a Honda Odyssey?
2025 Honda Odyssey Cons
The infotainment system may feel awkward or hard to reach, some say it's lacking in luxury features, and although the styling is technically functional, it may be less exciting compared to other minivans on the market.
What year to stay away from Toyota Sienna?
The Toyota Sienna years to generally avoid are the 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2017-2018 models due to common issues like sliding door problems, transmission troubles, and engine/suspension concerns. While many Siennas are reliable, these specific model years have more reported complaints and recalls.
Model years to avoid
- 2004: This first year of the second generation had the most owner complaints, particularly for sliding door issues.
- 2005: This year is associated with problems such as a faulty automatic sliding door and climate control issues.
- 2007: The 2007 model is often cited for engine and transmission problems, as well as recall issues with the transmission shift lever assembly.
- 2008: Common problems include minor electrical issues and airbag/seat belt concerns.
- 2011: This model year is known for premature suspension wear and engine problems, including stalling and rough idling.
- 2017-early 2018: The 8-speed transmission in these models has been linked to issues like whining, jerky operation, and oil leaks.
Other considerations
- Some sources suggest avoiding the 2006 model due to problems like failed oxygen sensors and sludge buildup, though it is still considered reliable overall.
- While the 2011-2016 models with the 6-speed transmission are generally considered reliable, the 2017-2018 models with the 8-speed transmission are the ones to approach with caution due to transmission problems.
- Regardless of the model year, it's always wise to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before buying any used car.
Is the Honda Odyssey bigger than the Toyota Sienna?
The Honda Odyssey is bigger than the Toyota Sienna in terms of interior cargo and passenger space. While their exterior dimensions are very similar, the Odyssey offers more maximum cargo volume and greater legroom in the first and second rows.
This video compares the exterior and interior design of the 2025 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna: 1mAuto DetailsYouTube · Jul 21, 2025
| Feature | Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Cargo Space | Up to 155.8 cu. ft. | Up to 101 cu. ft. |
| First-Row Legroom | 40.9 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Second-Row Legroom | 40.9 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Passenger Volume | 163.6 cu. ft. | 162.5 cu. ft. |
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This video compares the powertrain and performance of the 2025 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Aug 18, 2024
