Honda and Toyota are two of the biggest names in the auto industry. Each manufacturer has several models that go head to head. There are the compact SUV’s in direct competition: RAV4 and CRV. Next, there are the sedans, Accord versus the Camry. Then there are the Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna. Both awesome in their own right, but one may be a little more awesome than the other.

According to Kelly Blue Book, both the Odyssey and the Sienna offer the following similar strengths: “Excellent safety, reliability and resale values, strong V6 engine, good driving characteristics, versatile interior.” Toyota Sienna has a few things the Honda Odyssey does not. The Sienna stands out for being one of the only minivans with the option for All Wheel Drive. The Toyota minivan also features standard collision avoidance. But, the Honda Odyssey has some qualities that help it stand out against the Sienna. The following is a list of 5 reasons the Honda Odyssey is better than the Toyota Sienna.

Modernized Exterior, Roomier Cabin.

The newer Honda Odyssey has an updated look. It is undoubtedly sleeker in design, and a bit easier on the eyes. The body style is much more exciting than the Sienna, which hasn’t really changed much since 2011. It also has a much roomier cabin. The spacious feeling inside just adds to the modernity of the vehicle as a whole. The cargo volume and cabin space are both huge advantages. Add in the modern exterior design and the Honda Odyssey is a major competition for other minivans like the Toyota Sienna.

It’s more luxurious

As far as the luxury class of minivans goes, the Honda Odyssey easily holds its own as one of the most luxurious minivans on the market. It offers technology compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If your idea of luxury includes a state-of-the-art infotainment system, then look no farther than the Honda Odyssey. In addition, the Odyssey rides a little smoother for a more relaxed trip to pick up the crew from practice or your weekly run to the neighborhood supermarket.

The magical, sliding second-row seat.

For families with smaller children in car seats, this is a huge added bonus. Honda introduced the MagicSlide seats in the 2018 model and they come standard. This feature is also cool for anyone that plans on putting passengers in that third row. It’s so much easier to get back there with the sliding second-row seat. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the primordial crawl between two captain seats to get to the rear bench. The MagicSlide eliminates the hassle of folding the captains forward for access to the rear (which is impossible with a car seat in the captain).

It has a built-in vacuum.

This feature is so extra, but an amazing next step for the advancement of the traditional family vehicle. Considering that it gives access to a vacuum INSIDE your vehicle at all times, Honda Odyssey takes the prize for most inventive. It’s one of those things that you have somehow managed to live without for your entire driving life. Only now, you don’t have to.

Available 10-Speed Automatic Transmission.

Perhaps one of the greatest selling points for the Honda Odyssey’s performance, the updated 10-speed automatic transmission option gives this minivan an edge. It also explains why the Odyssey is such a nice, smooth ride.

Is it better?

Although these features set the Honda Odyssey apart from the Toyota Sienna, it is pretty hard to say which one individual buyers will prefer. Each minivan machine appeals to different people for different reasons. While The Sienna may not have a built-in vacuum, it does have a standard safety suite that gives the Odyssey’s safety operating system a run for its money. Bottom line, it’s all up to the buyer to decide which one is actually better, but many prefer the Odyssey.