2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of an SUV, with a broad front end and short overhangs that improved its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar boasted a luxurious interior with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments than rugged terrains.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights gave it a refreshed look, while the gloss black spear with a chrome insert added a touch of elegance. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, and introduced new wheel designs for the top trims. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a more luxurious interior. The Odyssey's design updates aimed to enhance its appeal as a family-friendly minivan, with practical features like tri-color floor mats and improved seating materials.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a significant performance upgrade with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, featuring a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as dominant as some competitors, and its handling felt less sharp on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although it lacked a low-range transfer case, limiting its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower, offered a smooth and efficient driving experience. The ten-speed automatic transmission provided various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, with paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's handling was enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm ride quality. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, although the brakes struggled under heavy use during testing.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize ones. Despite its size, the Velar's interior space was not as generous as some competitors, with limited headroom and a cramped cockpit-like front seating area. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a comfortable and versatile cabin. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power-adjustable seat, while the Elite trim added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided flexibility, allowing for various seating configurations. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements in seat folding.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens handling various functions. The system included a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and smartphone integration. While the graphics and layout were praised, the system's slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, enhancing the Velar's modern appeal.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting with the EX trim, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services provided additional features, such as remote operation and concierge services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were noted drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while comprehensive, was not touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. The Velar's safety offerings were less comprehensive compared to some competitors, with limited driver-assist technologies.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing across all trims. The system added low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective, though not always smooth. The Odyssey's structural integrity and safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were expected to remain strong, with top ratings in most assessments.