2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 represented a significant step forward for Cadillac, showcasing the brand's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. The XT5 featured a snub-nosed exterior with distinct trim level differentiation, standard LED lights, and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, offering a more upscale experience than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The interior design favored straightforward materials and thoughtful positioning, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Odyssey provided quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats and a comfortable third-row seat made it a practical choice for families, with ample cargo space and clever storage solutions.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 was available in Luxury, Premium Luxury, and Sport trims. The Luxury and Premium Luxury trims came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.6-liter V6 engine, standard on the Sport trim, delivered 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 provided smooth upshifts but clunkier downshifts, especially in Sport mode. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test drive, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While the Odyssey's brakes exhibited pedal vibration and an audible grumble during repeated use, the minivan remained quick, responsive, and composed on various road types.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered seating for four adults in two rows, with a three-seat bench in the second row. While legroom was good, the back seat lacked headroom for tall occupants, and the front seats were less comfortable on long trips. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, though wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no good place for a smartphone and small map pockets.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality. The minivan's low seating position and wide-opening doors made entry easy. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats and a comfortable third-row seat provided flexibility and comfort. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. Numerous storage solutions, including an onboard vacuum cleaner, added to its practicality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rotary controller. The tri-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats were available. The XT5 also offered a rear camera mirror, a fully-digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display. The 14-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system and 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were optional.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite came with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies were standard on Touring and Elite trims, along with a rear-seat entertainment system. The Elite trim also featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was considered outdated compared to rivals, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor and limit vehicle features. A rearview camera and rear-seat reminder were standard.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system were also standard. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or abruptly.