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This is our Honda Odyssey vs Toyota Tarago comparison. The Toyota Tarago has been around since about 2006 and is essentially the only purpose built ‘van’ for people passengers or MPV. The Tarago is also called the Estima and sold in only a small number of countries. The new Honda Odyssey is now a true competitor to the Tarago in style and function. But which one is better MPV?
Toyota Tarago Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey exterior: The Tarago trade mark has been futuristic design. It is one of the most distinctive designs when first released and one the few cars that still looks good after so many years without a major face lift. The Odyssey of the same era is just as good looking but the new model is not as sleek but at least has has a distinctive Japanese style about it. We like both design for different reasons.
Toyota Tarago Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey interior: To use the well known Star Trek series as an example the new Odyssey has a modern, elegant and purposeful interior just like the last Star Trek Next Generation movie, it fits well with the luxury MPV theme. We didn’t even notice any cheaper bits as per normal. It honestly looks and feels more expensive than its selling price tag even in the base velour trim guise. The reclining arm chairs with leg rests that move backwards, forwards and sideways are a great addition and folding flat rear seat are brillant. There’s is plenty of space even with all the seats in place.
The Tarago interior design is clearly the older one and it reminds us of the original 1990’s Star Trek Next Generation style nice then but dated now. We’ve been in many Tarago’s over the years and while spacious there’s lot and lots of plastic hence the materials need a update to keep in touch. Toyota have updated the range and equipment levels over the years and all but the base models are good places to be. The interior is good but not as nice the top range versions yet still doesn’t feel as expensive as its quite outrageous price tag in 2014.
The Odyssey wins because it is a better place to be regardless of which model you choose.
Toyota Tarago Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey engine and technology: The Tarago has been around for years and mechanically and technically is modern but not the most efficient. That said it now also has a CVT gearbox which may help efficiency. The New Odyssey has all the latest tech except for the engine which is largely a carryover form the last model and a little newer in design than Toyota. Once again the engine and CVT make the Odyssey a decent drive.
Of note the Odyssey has powered side doors, cameras and the App enabled infotainment system. Smaller minded and so called reputable web reviews claim this is a HUGE problem but we know its the way of the future. Who wants to pay for GPS maps upgrades and miss out on the latest features offered by simply linking up with a compatible mobile phone – with media streaming, GPS, movies, phones, txt email and what ever else is on offer. Having in built hardware and software is expensive if not impossible to update after the model run outs!
The Toyota Tarago’s engine has also been adequate even with 4 people on board and by assumption the Odyssey is the same but both could use more power and less engine noise. Fuel economy in the Tarago 4 cylinder is not that great averaging 12 litres in normal use despite the claimed figure. We can only hope that the Honda uses less in the real world.
Toyota Tarago Vs 2014 Honda Odyssey road test: The Tarago as we recall is also a decent car to drive but it is not a normal car so pointless comparison. The Tarago can be optioned with a 3.5 litre V6 from the Kluger so it will be quite a speedy people mover. Having only riven the 4 cylinder we can only guess that the V6 engine will be much more responsive at a price.
The Honda Odyssey wins easily due to the value for money price, overall it’s a very nice car and MPV for the price easily exceeding the Tarago no matter which way you try to analyse. The Tarago WAS the best MPV for a long time but in one swoop is soundly beaten by the new Honda Odyssey then of course comes price – sure Toyota has a V6 engine option but its way overpriced – more so than the 4 cylinder version. We can definitely live with a slower pace for the $10-20,000 price difference.
| Toyota Tarago |
New Honda Odyssey |
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| Engines | |
| 2AZ-FE IL4 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 2.4 Litre (2362cc) Claimed 125Kw @ 6500RPM Claimed 224Nm @ 4500RPM |
K24W IL4 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 2.4 Litre (2356cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 225Nm @ 4000RPM |
| 2GR-FE V6 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 3.5 Litre (3456cc) Claimed 202Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 340Nm @ 4700RPM |
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| Weight | |
| From 1795Kg Towing capacity up to 1600kg |
From 1819Kg Towing capacity up to 1000kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| 65 litres 2AZ-FE IL4 Petrol 8.9 litres per 100km 2AZ-FE V6 Petrol 10.3 litres per 100km |
55 litres IL4 Petrol 7.6 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 7 speed CVT Overall height/width 1750/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4795/2950 NCAP safety rating 5/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size: 205-65-16 or 215-55-17 |
7 speed CVT Overall height/width 1695/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4840/2900 NCAP safety rating 5/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size:215-55-17 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| – | – |
| Pricing | |
| 2014 $48,990 – 71,490 AUD | 2014 $38,990 – 47,620 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |