2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other models in a crowded parking lot. The X5's exterior featured upscale elements like matte aluminum grilles and satin aluminum finishes, with M Sport models offering a sportier look through body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5 maintained a familiar BMW aesthetic, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. The M Sport interior added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a touch of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim, with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, topped a lineup that ranged from the base LX to the Touring. The Odyssey's interior was designed for family convenience, featuring quality leather, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was ample, with clever solutions like the Magic Slide second-row seats and a spacious third-row seat that accommodated adults comfortably. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base model, sDrive40i/xDrive40i, featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The SUV's cabin was quiet, and its suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile range.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill drives led to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, especially when the van was fully loaded. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and quick, making it a pleasant vehicle to drive.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats felt hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate was easy to operate, and the vehicle height adjustment button aided in loading cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. The doors did not open wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out of the second row.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a low ride height. The interior featured quality leather, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was abundant, with clever solutions like the Magic Slide second-row seats and a spacious third-row seat. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The onboard vacuum cleaner in the Elite trim made clean-up easy, and the tri-color floor mats helped hide dirt and debris.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and a premium audio system. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, though its infotainment features lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The Touring and Elite trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technologies. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but it felt outdated. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker audio system and a wireless charging pad. The Odyssey's infotainment system was user-friendly, but a larger screen and a tuning knob would have been welcome improvements.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing invalid warnings or taking abrupt actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.