Click here for the Ride&Drive Index!

We didn't really plan it, but two very interesting Japanese competitors appeared on our doorstep back-to-back almost daring us not to do a road test comparison. We took the bait. And why not? The Honda Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna are the two hottest contenders for Chrysler's long-running title as king of the minivan hill.

The Sienna was all new for 2004. For 2005, it receives minor enhancements. The base CE grade receives High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on the windshield and front side windows to help reduce cabin temperature. A power-adjustable front passenger seat has become standard on the XLE and XLE Limited models. We tested the next-to-the-top-of-the-line XE model.

The Odyssey has been completely re-engineered for 2005. Significant new standard features include:

* Three-row Side Curtain Airbags with rollover sensor
* Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control;
* Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body Structure;
* New, more user friendly One-Motion 60/40 Split 3rd-Row Magic Seat;
* 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine with 255 horsepower;
* 2nd -row power windows, in-dash CD player and remote keyless entry;
* A more comfortable and spacious interior with full-size second-row captain's chairs, in-floor storage and three inches of additional third-row legroom;
* All new body structure and chassis delivering luxury-class ride, handling and NVH characteristics.

New powertrain technology debuting on the 2005 Odyssey includes a 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC engine with VCM technology that deactivates three of the engine's six cylinders for improved city/highway EPA fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg/25 mpg. Drive-by-wire throttle control is standard on all models, and the Odyssey's five-speed automatic transmission now features a direct control shift system for smoother gear changes. The VTEC engine produces 255 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Sienna uses a 3.3-liter V6 with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-I) that produces 230 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque. City/highway EPA fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg/26 mpg, respectively.

It is hard to express how similar these two vehicles are. Were you to be taken blindfolded from one to the other, you could scarcely tell them apart at rest. Even with your eyes wide open, the likeness is uncanny. No, they aren't really clones, built from the same blueprints. They just look that way.

The differences become apparent on the road. My associate editor, Kevin Lowery, and I tested and evaluated both vehicles, then compared notes. We agreed we preferred the Odyssey, mostly because the body seemed tighter on the road and the handling was somewhat more stable at highway speeds. The Sienna was good, but the Odyssey was better.

The price structure for the Odyssey and Sienna ranges are confusing. Both are available in a bewildering array of models. Prices for the 2005 Odyssey range from $24,995 for the LX to $34,495 for the all-new, premium, Touring model. Sienna prices start with the CE at $23,225 and top out with the XLE Limited AWD at $37,495.

The Odyssey EX we tested carried a sticker of $28,510, which consisted of the base price plus $551 for destination and handling. No options at all. The Sienna XLE sticker was $34,736, including $540 in destination charges and $5,171 in options. These options consisted of a number of items not included on the Odyssey: 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seats, Curtain Shield Airbags for all three seating rows, moonroof and a 10-speaker JBL sound system.

Actually, until I went over the window stickers with a magnifying glass, I didn't realize the Odyssey DIDN'T have leather upholstery. Regardless, the two are priced competitively given the level of equipment, etc. As with so many things in life, you pays your money and you takes your choice. We chose the Odyssey. But if you are in the market for a minivan, by all means try them both. You're the one spending the money and your choice might be different than ours. R&D

Photos, top to bottom: Odyssey, Odyssey interior, Sienna and Sienna interior.