2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it featured identical 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior also mirrored the gasoline model, with the same dash, multi-function center console, 7-inch infotainment screen, and steering-wheel-mounted functions. Subtle differences included blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badging, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. The gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters adjusted brake regeneration rather than shifting gears.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with minor updates for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels. The Odyssey was available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820. The Elite trim included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system powertrain with all-wheel drive (AWD). It combined a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor, eliminating the need for a conventional transmission. The total system power was rated at 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, compared to the gasoline model's 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, significantly better than the gasoline model's 27/32/29 mpg. However, it ranked third among hybrid competitors, with the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offering better fuel economy. The CR-V Hybrid provided a comfortable ride with good steering feel and on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. The engine produced 280 horsepower and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The EPA rated the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. New for 2021, the Odyssey featured an electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes did not perform well under heavy use, heating up and fading during a mountain descent.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid had to compromise on cargo capacity due to the battery pack beneath the cargo floor. It offered 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 68.7 cubic feet when folded flat, compared to the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet. Despite this, it still provided more volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and offered more passenger space than its competitors. The configurable center console bin was a practical feature, though the armrest's adjustability was too loose.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered excellent storage space and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single USB connector. Higher trims added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM, HD radio, and additional USB ports. The top Touring trim included navigation, wireless device charging, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was somewhat frustrating to use, with no haptic feedback and overly complicated procedures for adjusting settings.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features such as collision notification, remote operation, and a personal assistant. The Odyssey's infotainment system lacked a tuning knob and had subpar voice-recognition technology. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included automatic braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims. The system included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which received a four-star score.