2021 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban's front-end design was polarizing, with a mix of small headlights and large, busy grilles that didn't favor its massive frame. Chevy designers seemed to have borrowed the Camaro's design language, which didn't translate well to the Suburban. Despite the exterior's divisive look, the interior remained familiar and functional, with controls in their usual places. The infotainment system, climate controls, and other features were user-friendly, although the chrome strip around the touchscreen could reflect sunlight into the driver's eyes. The Suburban offered various trim levels, from the base LS to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey had a more family-friendly design with practical features. The sliding side doors made it easy to load and unload children, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey's interior was spacious, with plenty of storage options and a low console between the front seats. The Elite trim level added quality leather, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats were a standout feature, allowing for flexible seating arrangements and easier access to the third row. Overall, the Odyssey's design focused on practicality and comfort for families.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a standard 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, and a newly available 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard and four-wheel drive (4WD) available. The diesel engine provided excellent pickup and V8-level torque, making it suitable for both city driving and highway speeds. The Suburban's truck-based underpinnings were evident in its handling, with good braking power and a more compliant ride thanks to the independent rear suspension. However, it still exhibited body roll and truck-like tendencies over bumps and in crosswinds.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or an electrified powertrain. The Odyssey's EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving. During a test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. The Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and good composure on mountain roads. However, the brakes tended to heat up and produce pedal vibration during extended downhill driving, which could be a concern when carrying a full load of passengers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, 93.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use, and 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row. Passengers enjoyed a commanding view of the road and ample head- and legroom, especially in the second-row captain's chairs. The control layout was similar to GM's pickup trucks, but the button shifter design was less intuitive. The power-sliding center console was a complex feature that added little value. Despite these quirks, the Suburban's sheer volume of passenger and cargo space was a significant advantage.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The interior featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements and easier access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room. 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. However, the second-row seats were heavy and challenging to reinstall.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running GM's intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had crisp graphics and a sensible layout, with a helpful home button. Optional features included a navigation system, a rear entertainment system with large touchscreens, and a head-up display with easy-to-read graphics.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Odyssey Touring and Elite also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the embedded navigation system was less user-friendly than smartphone-based options.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. The Teen Driver system allowed parents to set speed and volume limitations for younger drivers. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic assist, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Unique options included a rear-view camera mirror and the Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to provide alerts.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was poorly placed, and the radar's range seemed insufficient. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).