2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Jeep Compass

The 2020 Jeep Compass was a handsome SUV, reflecting the refined side of the Jeep brand, much like the Grand Cherokee. It came in four core trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, with various packages and special edition trim upgrades available. Prices started at $22,280 for a Compass Sport with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, while a fully loaded Compass Limited with all-wheel drive and numerous options could reach $39,755. Despite its upscale features, the Compass had some cost-cutting measures that detracted from its overall appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was slightly updated for the new model year. The grille and front bumper were new, and every trim level came with standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation. 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. Our test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940. The Elite trim included perforated leather upholstery, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2020 Jeep Compass was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, producing 180 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Despite these figures, the engine was loud, slow, and thirsty, with sluggish acceleration and nearly non-existent passing power. The test vehicle averaged 23.1 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving. The nine-speed automatic transmission often shifted harshly and resisted downshifts, while the automatic engine stop/start system could make the air conditioning swampy on warm days. The Compass's suspension controlled body roll but allowed too much vertical motion and impact harshness, and the steering was heavy and vague. However, the Compass excelled in off-road capability, especially in Trailhawk trim with added ground clearance and an Active Drive Low AWD system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain provided smooth, effortless power, and the engine's variable cylinder management helped conserve fuel. The EPA rated the Odyssey at 22 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and expertly managed body motions. The brakes, however, did not withstand much abuse during testing in a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered a new-for-2020 Luxury Seat Group, adding premium leather, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and a memory function for the driver's settings. The back seat was roomy, with air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a 115-volt power outlet for rear passengers. Cargo space measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 59.8 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. However, the optional spare tire and Alpine subwoofer housing took up some space, and the cabin had scant storage room and awkwardly positioned cupholders.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage space. 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 front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers did not complain. The Odyssey's storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was not enjoyable.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered an excellent Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G LTE WiFi. The system also supported SiriusXM Guardian connected services, navigation, and an Alpine premium audio system. Uconnect was intuitive and featured appealing graphics, though some features were embedded in menus that should have been more accessible. The voice recognition system worked well with naturally spoken requests, but navigation required more specific prompts.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, offering various safety and convenience features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2020 Jeep Compass offered optional driving assistance and collision avoidance technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning. These systems performed to average expectations, with some overreacting and insistent corrective actions. The Compass earned Good ratings in most IIHS crash tests but had mixed ratings from NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, adding low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available starting with EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could apply uneven braking and wobbled the steering wheel for lane-departure warnings. The Odyssey earned top ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.