2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was based on the same vehicle introduced for the 2015 model year, with design updates from 2017 carrying over. In 2020, the infotainment system was updated, and by 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving only the LS and LT trims. The LS trim featured 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The LT trim added heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, roof rails, LED lights, and upgraded seats, among other features.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, though adhering to the classic minivan design, had a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The EX-L trim and above had leather upholstery, and the interior boasted a low console between the front seats and plenty of storage space. The Odyssey's design provided an expansive view through the massive windshield, enhancing the minivan experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). While the engine sufficed for city driving, it struggled at highway speeds and during passing maneuvers. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in tight spaces.

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 all-wheel drive 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 brakes, however, showed signs of heating up during repeated use on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration and an audible grumble. Despite this, the Odyssey was quick, responsive, and composed, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. The Trax had multiple storage trays in each door and low cupholder placement. It provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat could also fold flat for larger items. However, there was no option for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey made entry easy with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey had numerous storage spaces, including shelving in the front door panels and a handy floor tray. The second-row seats were comfortable, with plenty of legroom and the innovative Magic Slide feature. The third-row seat was also comfortable for adults. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, though its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey had 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 Touring and Elite trims also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was underwhelming, with a small screen and a lack of a tuning knob.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors, but the Trax lacked advanced driver safety features.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, 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. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, and the blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was poorly placed.