2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer was a subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from its larger sibling, the Blazer. Its design was appealing, featuring dark gray plastic trim around the lower perimeter and borrowing styling elements from the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul, such as stacked triple front lights and two-tone paint schemes. The Activ trim added a rugged touch with skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. The interior boasted excellent design with a well-organized control layout and attractive detailing, though it was marred by the presence of hard shiny plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates for the model year, including a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert at the rear. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, which we tested, featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new 19-inch wheels, enhancing its upscale appeal. The interior was spacious and functional, with comfortable seating and improved materials, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. More powerful versions featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The Trailblazer's powertrain was generally agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. However, it struggled on steep inclines and was not particularly fast. The SUV averaged 26.6 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 28 mpg estimate. The ride was firm, with suspension impact harshness over bumps, and the vehicle was noisy inside.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg in testing, close to the EPA's 22 mpg estimate. While AWD was unavailable, the Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use, indicating a need for improvement given the vehicle's passenger and cargo capacity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior offered a mix of leatherette and cloth materials, with the latter only available on lower trims. The automatic climate control struggled to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially with the engine stop/start system. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were less so, with a flat cushion and reclined backrest. Cargo space was competitive, with 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.4 cubic feet with them folded, plus a fold-flat front passenger seat for longer items.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. Storage was abundant, with clever solutions like the Magic Slide second-row seats, which offered various configurations for passenger and cargo needs. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system, available on higher trims, featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose premium sound system. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's technology suite started with an 8-inch touchscreen on the EX trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker sound system and wireless charging. HondaLink subscription services provided additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system was not touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. Optional features included blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the adaptive cruise control was overly sensitive, and the lane-keeping assist was inconsistent. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, adding features like low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were functional but could be smoother in operation.