2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender brought back the boxy, rugged design that many enthusiasts missed since the 2016 LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and roundish headlights evoked a sense of nostalgia. The Defender's design was both classic and purposeful, reminiscent of a Burberry trench coat. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the vehicle retained its rugged charm. The interior was basic and industrial, with cloth seats and exposed screws, emphasizing durability over luxury. The HSE trim, priced at $75,000, lacked the luxury expected at that price point, feeling more like a commercial vehicle than a high-end SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for modernization. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights gave it a refreshed appearance. The top trims featured new wheel designs and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels. The Odyssey's interior was more luxurious, with comfortable seating and improved materials, making it closer to an Acura in terms of refinement.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender justified its price with its performance. It featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This mild hybrid system ensured consistent power and quick restarts. The Defender's off-road capabilities were exemplary, with Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep angles and deep water with ease. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 296 horsepower, suitable for the smaller two-door 90 model. The Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, generous suspension lean, and brakes requiring a deep stomp.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and effortless power. The engine produced 280 horsepower and included variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked all-wheel drive, the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality. Its interior was designed for tough conditions, with rubber floors and simple controls. The two-door 90 model could seat up to six people with an optional jump seat, while the four-door 110 offered an optional third row for seven seats. Cargo space varied, with the 90 offering 16 cubic feet and the 110 providing up to 79 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 8,200 pounds. The ladder allowed easy access to the roof, and the vehicle's ruggedness was proven through rigorous testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, comfortable seating, and ample storage options. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for various configurations, enhancing versatility. The third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. The Odyssey's interior was designed for convenience and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender introduced the Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous versions. It featured two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained, such as small zoom icons on the map. The system included off-road capabilities like front cameras showing the ground underneath the hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims offered additional luxuries like a heated steering wheel and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting with the EX trim. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Higher trims added a navigation system, WiFi capability, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional services like automatic collision notification and remote operation of the engine and door locks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and built-in streaming apps.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by any U.S. crash testing agency. It came with six airbags, forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. Optional features included rear cross-traffic alerts and alerts upon exiting the vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. It received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which earned a four-star score.