Minivans remain a strong option for those transporting large families or carpools, or who just want the extra cargo space they offer. With amenities that include premium entertainment suites and advanced safety features, these are a far cry from the boxy, unexciting minivans of the past.
For this article we’ve done an in-depth comparison of our two top-selling minivans—the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna.
Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
We’ve configured a sample vehicle for each van and then examined some of the key differentiating factors. We’ve based our sample models on popular choices among Cartelligent clients.
- 2016 Honda Odyssey: Our sample Odyssey is the EX-L equipped with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, touch screen audio, moonroof and leather trimmed seats. MSRP as configured is $36,825.
- 2016 Toyota Sienna: We’ve chosen a 2016 Toyota Sienna XLE. Features include premium navigation, blind spot monitoring, pre-collision, moonroof and leather trimmed seats. MSRP as configured is $37,540.
Vehicle Comparison
We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| Model Type | 2016 Honda Odyssey EX-L | 2016 Toyota Sienna XLE |
| MSRP | $36,825 | $37,540 |
Engine and Fuel Economy
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 248 | 266 |
| City mpg | 19 | 18 |
| Highway mpg | 28 | 25 |
The Sienna produces more horsepower with the same engine size, but the Odyssey has a slight edge on fuel economy.
Capacities
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| Seating | 8 | 8 |
| Cargo volume (behind seats) | 38.4 ft3 | 39.1 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (rear seats folded) | 93.1 ft3 | 87.1 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (all seats folded) | 148.5 ft3 | 150.0 ft3 |
The cargo capacity for both minivans is very similar with the Sienna offering slightly more cargo space both with all seats in their upright position and completely folded.
Safety
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick | Yes | No |
| Rearview camera | Standard | Available |
| Crash prevention | Available | Available |
The Honda was chosen by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a Top Safety Pick, but the Toyota is also a safe, reliable choice.
Cost to purchase: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
First we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. We’ve assumed a 60 month term. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing.
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| MSRP | $36,825 | $37,540 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $575 | $615 |
| Total of payments over five years | $36,425 | $38,785 |
The Odyssey is around $40/month less than the Sienna and saves about $2,300 in payments over the course of five years.
Cost to lease: Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna
Next we’ll compare the three vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.
| Honda Odyssey | Toyota Sienna | |
| MSRP | $36,825 | $37,540 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $395 | $335 |
| Lease disposition fee | $350 | $350 |
| Total of payments over three years | $16,675 | $14,575 |
In this case the Sienna is the better value, saving around $60/month in payments and about $2,100 over the course of the lease
Which to buy: Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna
Both of these vehicles can be a fantastic option depending on your personal circumstances. Your Cartelligent agent can talk you through the pros and cons of each vehicle (as well as any other brands) to help you make an educated decision.
Whether you want a new minivan or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.