2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 showcased a pinnacle of modern Volvo design, proving that a large SUV could be as aesthetically pleasing as a sleek sedan. The R-Design trim featured blacked-out, honeycomb grille treatments, black window surrounds, mirrors, and a more aggressive chin spoiler, all complemented by bright 22-inch rims. The "Thor's hammer" LED headlights and tall, thin, curving LED taillights were distinctive, while the Thunder Grey Metallic paint with a blue hue added a unique touch. The interior boasted beige leather and aluminum, with options for matte wood trim and wool fabric seats, emphasizing simplicity and quality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received minor updates to modernize its look. The new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights were notable changes. New wheel designs for the top three trims also debuted. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, bringing the Odyssey closer to a luxury minivan experience.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6, with an added supercharger, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The Polestar tune boosted the T6 to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90's performance was not linear, and the engine noise was unrefined. Fuel economy was unimpressive, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque but had limited electric range and added weight, resulting in a combined 27 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 provided smooth, effortless power, and the EPA rated it at 22 mpg combined, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, the new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous models, though it placed all climate controls within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was stellar, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The six-seat configuration was available on T6 and T8 powertrains but not on the R-Design model. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and comfort, while the third row was tight, suitable only for small children. Cargo space was up to 85.7 cubic feet with the last two rows folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. 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 Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space was 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 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 Volvo XC90 came standard with Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The instrument panel could display the map between analog-style dials but lacked major reconfiguration options.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 received top safety scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, though the headlight test lowered its rating to a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and advanced airbag systems.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit and standard LED headlights. Honda Sensing included low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new ADAS settings menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.