Odyssey vs Sienna
Few matchups in the minivan class come up as often as the Odyssey against the Sienna. The data doesn’t leave much room for doubt: 2 of 4 areas go to the Sienna, and the gap is widest in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Odyssey wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Sienna wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Sienna wins
- Fuel Economy & Range1.4
- Off-road & Towing0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range10.0
- Off-road & Towing3.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Sienna has better fuel economy
The Odyssey lists 22 mpg; the Sienna comes in at 36 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Odyssey has 35 hp more power
Close, but not identical: the Odyssey lists 280 hp and the Sienna lists 245 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Sienna has better city fuel economy
At 36 mpg versus 19 mpg, this is a decisive lead for the Sienna, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Sienna starts from a better baseline.
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The Sienna has better highway fuel economy
If fuel economy (highway) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Sienna leads clearly with 36 mpg to the Odyssey’s 28 mpg. The Sienna uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
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The Sienna has available all-wheel drive
For anyone who wants available all-wheel drive, the Odyssey is out of the running. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 205.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Odyssey leads
The Odyssey edges the engine & performance section, though the Sienna stays close. The Odyssey scores with 35 hp more power. The Odyssey’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the Odyssey is the one to beat.
Total system output
Odyssey: 280 hp Sienna: 245 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sienna leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Sienna leads the fuel economy & range section with room to spare. The Sienna makes its case with better fuel economy. The Sienna uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. If this section decides it for you, choose the Sienna.
Fuel economy (combined)
Odyssey: 22 mpg Sienna: 36 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Odyssey: 19 mpg Sienna: 36 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Sienna has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Sienna leads
On off-road & towing, the difference is modest, and it favors the Sienna. The Sienna wins here with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the Sienna is the safer choice.
AWD / 4WD available
Odyssey: no Sienna: yes The Sienna offers all-wheel drive; the Odyssey doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Odyssey and the Sienna each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Hybrid |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 2.5L I4 hybrid |
| Total system output | 280 hp (winner) | 245 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | eCVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Most efficient in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Best city economy |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | 36 mpg (winner) Best highway economy |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats | 8 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.8 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 140.7 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 205.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Odyssey | Sienna |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,795 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Odyssey if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (280 hp vs 245 hp)
- you’re loyal to Honda and happy with it
Choose the Sienna if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (36 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (36 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 28 mpg on the highway)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Odyssey or the Sienna?
The Sienna makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d trade the rest for 35 hp more power.
Executive Summary
I don’t have a favorite brand in this fight between the Odyssey and the Sienna. I just have opinions about the numbers. Honestly, better fuel economy on the Sienna does a lot of the persuading for me. I also like that the Sienna brings better highway fuel economy. Still, if you care most about 35 hp more power, the Odyssey deserves a look.
Your priorities do the choosing here: engine & performance points to the Odyssey, fuel economy & range to the Sienna.
My pick: the Sienna, unless your top priority is 35 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.