The Honda Odyssey is a minivan, not an SUV. While there is no exact SUV equivalent to the Odyssey, the closest three-row SUV rivals include the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander (and its larger Grand Highlander variant), Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and others in the same family of family-oriented crossovers.
In practice, families comparing the Odyssey with SUVs look for models that offer three rows of seating, ample interior space, and practical features. SUVs tend to differ from minivans in ride height, cargo layout, and available drivetrain options, so the best match depends on which traits you value most—ease of loading, cargo flexibility, all-wheel drive, or hybrid efficiency.
Closest three-row SUV alternatives
Below are common three-row SUVs that buyers often consider as substitutes for the Odyssey, evaluated on seating, cargo space, features, and price.
- Hyundai Palisade — roomy three-row interior, strong safety features, and a comfortable ride; widely praised for value.
- Kia Telluride — highly regarded interior quality and space, generous standard equipment, and competitive pricing.
- Toyota Highlander — reliable and well-equipped; available as a hybrid; reputably smooth in everyday driving.
- Toyota Grand Highlander — larger version with more cargo and seating options, suitable for bigger families.
- Nissan Pathfinder — modern tech and comfortable ride with three-row seating and practical practicality.
- Honda Pilot — Honda’s three-row SUV that shares brand design DNA with the Odyssey; spacious and family-friendly, though different in layout from a minivan.
Note: The Odyssey’s defining strengths—sliding rear doors, flexible second-row configurations, and van-like interior practicality—set a high bar for minivan versatility. Among SUVs, Palisade, Telluride, and Highlander family models are among the most direct substitutes for buyers prioritizing space and ease of use in a higher-riding package.
How to decide between a minivan and a three-row SUV
Consider whether you prize ultimate cargo capacity and sliding doors—in which case a minivan like the Odyssey remains hard to beat—or if you prefer a higher driving position, available all-wheel drive, and rugged styling found in top three-row SUVs. If you need maximum cabin flexibility with easy access for a crew of passengers, the Palisade or Telluride are strong contenders; if you prioritize reliability and efficiency, a Highlander or Grand Highlander with hybrid options may be the better choice.
Summary
There is no exact SUV substitute for the Honda Odyssey, but the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander (including Grand Highlander) are the closest, well-rounded options for families seeking three-row seating and versatile interiors. Your best pick depends on whether you value minivan-like practicality or SUV advantages such as higher ride height, all-wheel drive availability, and hybrid efficiency.