2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a sophisticated appearance with its Jewel Eye LED headlights and a trapezoidal grille featuring a prominent Acura logo. The interior was modern and simple, with high-quality materials and a well-organized center stack that included twin infotainment screens and a variety of controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that had been slightly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Odyssey's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim, and plenty of storage space throughout the cabin.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The SH-AWD system provided excellent handling and torque vectoring, making the MDX nimble in corners and curves. The four-wheel independent suspension ensured a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The Odyssey's drivetrain was front-wheel drive only, which put it at a disadvantage in snowy and icy conditions compared to competitors offering all-wheel drive. The Odyssey's V6 engine and transmission combination provided smooth and effortless power, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, while the adaptive cruise control and other driving assistance systems enhanced the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Acura MDX featured sliding and reclining second-row seats, making it easier to access the third row and share legroom between rows. It offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 90.9 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. The MDX also had a variety of storage compartments, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control ensured comfort for all passengers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided excellent storage space and a versatile seating arrangement with the Magic Slide second-row seats. These seats could slide forward, back, and side to side, offering various seating modes. The Odyssey had 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expanded to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. The Elite trim included a wireless smartphone charger, though it took up some space on the center console. The Odyssey's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with plenty of support for passengers in all three rows.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard technology features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a premium audio system, while the Advance Package included additional features like a surround-view camera system and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera, while the Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and built-in streaming apps.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The EX trim and above added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The Odyssey received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance.