2015 Honda Odyssey vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

Over the past decade, the level of innovation in minivans has slowed to a crawl, with several automakers (such as Ford) bowing out of the segment entirely to focus on building more crossovers.

Honda is the only brand offering a built-in vacuum or the split widescreen entertainment screen setup.

The Chrysler Town & Country and its nearly identical Dodge Grand Caravan sibling are the Odyssey's closest rivals, offering innovative seating options as well as class-leading entertainment features and good performance.

However, compared to the Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, the Chrysler/Dodge interior materials are lacking.

The Sienna has somewhat better acceleration, as well as comparable features and more available luxury items at a lower price, but it's a heavier-feeling vehicle that doesn't handle as well--and its seating setup simply isn't as handy nor as flexible as the Honda or Chrysler vans'.

The Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex aren't minivans, but they can be cross-shopped as a close alternative.

With wide-opening, front-hinged back doors, these large wagons also have three rows of seating and well-configured interiors--although they're not set up for cargo as well as the true vans and don't provide as much third-row comfort.

While the Kia Sedona recently returned to the market, it is unchanged compared to the also-ran model that went out of production in 2012.