2020 Lexus RX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Lexus RX received a significant refresh, enhancing its appeal both inside and out. These updates were more than just minor tweaks; they allowed the RX to stand out in a competitive market. Despite its age, the RX maintained a stylish edge over its Toyota counterparts. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch wheels, slimmer headlights, and L-shaped taillights, with optional triple-beam LED headlights. The grille was redesigned to align with other Lexus models, and new paint options like Moonbeam Beige Metallic and Nori Green Pearl were introduced. The rear design was refreshed with dual exhausts, a rear diffuser, and updated reflectors, complemented by an available hands-free tailgate. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed cabin with various interior color and material combinations, including wood and satin-brushed aluminum trim. The F Sport package added unique features like a specialized steering wheel, shift knob, and 20-inch wheels, enhancing the SUV's sporty appeal. The leather-wrapped surfaces exuded luxury, while the center stack, though functional, appeared dated compared to industry trends.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained its familiar design, with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert, refreshed the Odyssey's look. New wheel designs were introduced for the top trims, reducing brightwork for a more contemporary feel. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. Notably, certain paint colors required an additional fee. The Elite trim, tested in Lunar Silver Metallic, featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and ambient lighting, elevating its interior luxury. Most models received seating material and design improvements, and new tri-color floor mats enhanced practicality. The Odyssey Elite, with its 19-inch wheels and toned-down chrome, aimed to position itself as a premium minivan option.

The 2020 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The three-row RX 350L models had slightly reduced power at 290 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. A hybrid version, the RX 450h, combined the V6 with an electric motor, achieving 308 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The RX 450hL, an elongated hybrid model, offered 259 horsepower from the gasoline engine and 165 horsepower from an electric motor, with a 37-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The RX hybrid models featured an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with an additional motor on the rear axle for extra power. The RX's acceleration from zero to 60 mph took about 7.9 seconds, with the RX 450hL being slightly slower. Fuel economy was a highlight for the hybrid models, with the RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined. The RX 350 F Sport offered adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels for improved agility. Various drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and EV mode for hybrids, allowed drivers to customize their experience. The RX provided a smooth and connected drive, with excellent insulation and structure for a quiet cabin.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain remained unchanged from the previous model year, offering Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine, equipped with variable cylinder management, provided smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined. However, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, supporting adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The Touring and Elite trims featured 19-inch wheels for enhanced handling. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2020 Lexus RX's interior, while not as minimalist or stylish as some German luxury SUVs, was functional and comfortable. The two-row RX model accommodated four adults comfortably, but the three-row RX-L's third row was best suited for small children or pets. The cabin was spacious in the two-row configuration, with comfortable front seats and good visibility, though the A-pillar could obstruct views of curbs and corners. The cargo area was smaller than competitors, with a high load floor limiting space. The RX 350L and 450hL also offered less cargo space compared to rivals like the Lincoln Aviator. A hands-free liftgate was available on RX 350 and 450h models and standard on RX-L versions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback, and the transmission gear buttons could be confusing. The driver’s seat, adjustable in 12 ways, was comfortable, with inboard armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers found it comfortable. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, with options like Wide Mode, Buddy Mode, and Super Mode. The second-row seats were supportive, though the armrests were not height-adjustable. 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 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2020 Lexus RX's infotainment system, often criticized, saw improvements in 2020. The standard 8.0-inch display and optional 12.3-inch touchscreen were moved closer to the driver. Despite this, the system remained challenging to navigate, with difficulty in customizing the screen layout. Apple CarPlay was standard, providing a workaround for the system's shortcomings. The RX also offered Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and other app compatibilities. The center console touchpad system improved in responsiveness. The RX featured six USB ports and a standard 12-speaker audio system, with an optional 15-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink offered various subscription plans, including security, remote, and concierge services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The Touring and Elite trims included a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2020 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and available blind-spot monitoring. The 2020 model added daytime bicyclist detection, low-light pedestrian detection, road-sign assist, and lane-tracing assist. The RX included a three-year subscription to Lexus Enform Safety Connect and a 10-year subscription to Enform Service Connect, though connectivity issues were noted during testing. The RX received good safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though not as high as newer models.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its impressive IIHS ratings, with top NHTSA ratings except for a four-star rollover resistance score.