What To Know
- The Odyssey has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- It also offers a variety of convenience features, such as a hands-free power sliding door, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
- It offers a good value proposition, with a generous list of standard features and a spacious interior.
When it comes to choosing a minivan, two formidable contenders emerge: the Honda Odyssey and the VW Sharan. Both vehicles offer exceptional space, versatility, and family-friendly features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of each minivan to determine which one emerges as the ultimate choice for your family’s needs.
Space and Versatility
Honda Odyssey:
The Odyssey boasts an impressive interior volume of 158.9 cubic feet, providing ample space for passengers and cargo. Its flexible seating configurations allow for various arrangements, including a spacious eight-passenger layout or a cavernous cargo area.
VW Sharan:
With a slightly smaller interior volume of 143.2 cubic feet, the Sharan still offers ample room for up to seven passengers. Its sliding rear doors provide easy access to the cabin, and its removable third row allows for maximum cargo capacity.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Honda Odyssey:
The Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It offers a smooth and responsive ride, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 7.5 seconds. Its fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
VW Sharan:
The Sharan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It provides adequate acceleration and handling, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.5 seconds. Its fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Honda Odyssey:
The Odyssey has earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
VW Sharan:
The Sharan has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS. It offers similar safety features to the Odyssey, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Technology and Convenience
Honda Odyssey:
The Odyssey features a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. It also offers a variety of convenience features, such as a hands-free power sliding door, a built-in vacuum cleaner, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
VW Sharan:
The Sharan comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offers comparable convenience features, including keyless entry, push-button start, and a panoramic sunroof.
Price and Value
Honda Odyssey:
The Odyssey is priced from $32,290 for the base model to $48,320 for the top-of-the-line Elite trim. It offers a good value proposition, with a generous list of standard features and a spacious interior.
VW Sharan:
The Sharan is priced from $36,995 for the base model to $46,495 for the top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim. It offers a slightly higher price point than the Odyssey but also includes more premium features, such as leather seats and a navigation system.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Honda Odyssey and the VW Sharan ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a spacious, versatile, and well-equipped minivan, the Odyssey is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more premium experience with a slightly smaller interior, the Sharan may be a better fit.
Choosing the Best Minivan for Your Family
Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Space and versatility: How many passengers and how much cargo will you need to accommodate?
- Performance and fuel economy: Do you prioritize acceleration and handling or fuel efficiency?
- Safety features: Which safety features are most important to you?
- Technology and convenience: What infotainment and convenience features are you looking for?
- Price and value: How much are you willing to spend on a minivan and what features are you getting for your money?
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the minivan that best meets your family’s needs.
Recommendations: The Minivan Masterpiece
Both the Honda Odyssey and the VW Sharan are exceptional minivans that offer a winning combination of space, versatility, performance, and safety. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual requirements and preferences. Whether you choose the spacious and value-oriented Odyssey or the premium and feature-rich Sharan, you’ll be driving home a minivan that will enhance your family’s adventures for years to come.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Which minivan has a larger interior volume?
The Honda Odyssey has a larger interior volume of 158.9 cubic feet, compared to 143.2 cubic feet in the VW Sharan.
2. Which minivan offers better fuel economy?
The VW Sharan has slightly better fuel economy than the Honda Odyssey, with 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, compared to 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the Odyssey.
3. Which minivan has more advanced safety features?
Both the Honda Odyssey and the VW Sharan offer comprehensive safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Odyssey has a slight edge with additional features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
4. Which minivan has a better infotainment system?
The Honda Odyssey has a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The VW Sharan has a smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen, but it also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
5. Which minivan is more expensive?
The VW Sharan has a slightly higher price point than the Honda Odyssey, with a starting price of $36,995 compared to $32,290 for the Odyssey.