The two most popular minivans in America face off. Compare space, features, driving experience, and value to find the ultimate family hauler.
The Honda Odyssey offers a more powerful V6 engine, clever Magic Slide seats, and a more engaging driving experience. The Toyota Sienna is hybrid-only with excellent fuel economy. For families who want power, flexibility, and driving enjoyment, the Odyssey is the minivan to beat.
2024–2025 model year data. Specs vary by trim level.
| Specification | Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $38,990 | $39,885 |
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 245 hp |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 mpg | 36 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers | 7-8 passengers |
| Cargo (Behind 3rd Row) | 32.8 cu ft | 33.5 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space | 158.0 cu ft | 101.0 cu ft |
| Second Row | Magic Slide Seats | Removable Captain's Chairs |
| Third Row Legroom | 38.3 in | 36.1 in |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| AWD Available | No | Yes (standard) |
| Built-In Vacuum | HondaVAC (available) | No |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto | CVT |
What sets these minivans apart.
Detailed breakdown of how these minivans compare.
The Odyssey's 280 hp V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic delivers strong, confident acceleration — especially noticeable when merging, passing, or driving with a full load. The Sienna's hybrid system is adequate but feels strained under hard acceleration, and the CVT lacks the responsiveness of a traditional transmission. For driving enjoyment, the Odyssey wins decisively.
The Sienna's hybrid powertrain delivers 36 mpg combined — a massive advantage over the Odyssey's 22 mpg. Over 100,000 miles, that difference saves thousands of dollars in fuel costs. If you drive significant miles and want to minimize fuel expenses, the Sienna's efficiency is hard to ignore.
Honda's Magic Slide seats move side-to-side and fore/aft, allowing countless configurations. Need to access the third row easily? Slide the seats apart. Want passengers closer together? Slide them inward. The Sienna's second-row seats can be removed entirely, but that's impractical for everyday use. The Odyssey's flexibility wins for real-world families.
The Odyssey offers 158 cubic feet of maximum cargo space versus the Sienna's 101 cubic feet — a 56% advantage. This comes from the Odyssey's fold-flat seats versus the Sienna's removable seats. For hauling large items, camping gear, or furniture, the Odyssey's cargo advantage is substantial.
The Sienna comes standard with all-wheel drive — the Odyssey is front-wheel drive only. For families in snowy regions or areas with frequent rain, the Sienna's AWD provides added confidence and traction. In South Carolina's mild climate, this advantage is less critical.
The Odyssey offers the available HondaVAC — a built-in vacuum cleaner that reaches every row. Combined with CabinWatch (to monitor rear passengers) and CabinTalk (intercom system), the Odyssey is purpose-built for families. The Sienna offers similar tech but lacks the built-in vacuum that parents love.
Match your priorities to the right vehicle.
Answers to help you decide.
The Honda Odyssey has significantly more maximum cargo space — 158 cubic feet versus the Sienna's 101 cubic feet. The Odyssey's seats fold flat while the Sienna's must be removed.
Yes. The Toyota Sienna is exclusively a hybrid and achieves 36 mpg combined. There is no non-hybrid Sienna option. The Odyssey uses a traditional V6 engine and gets 22 mpg.
No. The Honda Odyssey is front-wheel drive only. The Toyota Sienna comes standard with all-wheel drive. If AWD is essential for your climate, the Sienna is your only choice.
Magic Slide seats are Honda's second-row seats that move side-to-side and fore/aft, creating flexible configurations for passengers and cargo. They make accessing the third row easy without removing seats.
The Honda Odyssey is widely considered more engaging to drive. Its 280 hp V6 and 10-speed automatic deliver stronger acceleration and more responsive handling than the Sienna's hybrid/CVT combination.
Yes. The Honda Odyssey offers HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum cleaner with a hose that reaches every row. It's a parent-favorite feature for cleaning up snacks, dirt, and debris on the go.
Visit Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray to test drive the Odyssey and see the difference for yourself.
Steve Padgett's Honda of Lake Murray · 750 Western Ln, Irmo, SC 29063 · (803) 392-0488
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