2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 GMC Yukon

Though GMC pitched itself as “professional grade,” it also leaned heavily into the “premium grade” with the 2021 GMC Yukon, positioning it squarely between Chevrolet and Cadillac on the General Motors spectrum. Similar to Buick's softened plush interpretation of premium, GMC's approach blended ruggedness with a hint of refinement.

Introduced as a redesigned model for 2021, the GMC Yukon was a truck-based full-size SUV available in standard and extended-length body styles, and offered in SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Prices started from $50,700 for the base SLE. The AT4 version was crafted for off-road adventures, featuring an improved approach angle, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Historically, the luxury-oriented Denali trim was popular among buyers, reflecting GMC's marketing sentiment that Yukon owners valued substance over flashy badges.

After driving the Yukon Denali, priced at an as-tested $83,720, it became clear why buyers considered it. The exterior, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, resembled an upscaled Chevrolet Tahoe High Country, but the intricate grillework and appealing chrome touches set it apart. Inside, exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, unique leather stitching, and a panoramic sunroof from the Ultimate Package created a luxurious cabin experience. This distinguished the Yukon Denali from its counterparts, standing out not just among other Yukons but across the segment.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, marketed around familiar styling from a decade ago, received a subtle refresh for the model year. This included a new grille, front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high beams for all trims, and a redesigned gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. New wheel designs also debuted on the top three trims. These minor updates aimed to modernize the minivan by reducing excessive chrome elements.

The Odyssey offered five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices starting at $31,790. New paint options, which were once free, now commanded a $395 premium. The ritzy Elite trim tested, finished in Lunar Silver Metallic, cost $48,940 including destination charges. It featured perforated leather, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats to hide dirt better. The handsome new 19-inch wheels and updated interior made the 2021 Odyssey Elite closer than ever to an “Acura of minivans.”

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered three engine options. The 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 was standard across most trims, while the Denali gained an exclusive 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. A 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-six engine was also set to be available, except for the AT4 due to front-end design constraints. The test Denali, with its 6.2-liter V8, delivered 420 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm, coupled with a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission. Despite impressive acceleration, the fuel economy was less stellar, averaging 14.4 mpg on a test loop and 16.2 mpg on a shorter trip in 2WD mode.

Fuel economy ratings for the 6.2-liter 4WD model stood at 14 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. These were slightly lower than the previous generation's ratings. Improvements included an independent rear suspension, Four-Corner Air Ride suspension, and Magnetic Ride Control, enhancing ride quality and handling. However, the 22-inch wheels somewhat compromised ride comfort by highlighting pavement imperfections.

Performance-wise, the Yukon hustled when necessary, displaying impressive grip from oversized wheels and accurate steering despite its light weighting. Brake pedal stiffness required acclimation, but overall braking performance was satisfactory. Its Active Response 4WD system, equipped with features like Traction Select driving modes and an electronic limited-slip differential, improved cornering and traction. Towing capacity was 8,400 pounds with 2WD and 8,300 pounds with 4WD, slightly reduced compared to its predecessor.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained its 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, continuing to deliver 280 horsepower. Drivetrain modes included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, with paddle shifters available. The V6 engine, featuring variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, provided smooth power delivery. The Odyssey achieved an average of 21.8 mpg on a test loop, near its EPA rating of 22 mpg combined.

Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The 2021 model introduced an electronic brake booster, enhancing brake pedal feel and response, and supporting new traffic-friendly adaptive cruise control functions. The Odyssey retained its characteristic enjoyable driving manners, with well-weighted steering, firm but comfortable ride, and controlled body motions. However, under heavy braking demands, such as during prolonged downhill runs, the brakes tended to overheat and fade, indicating a need for component upgrades.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited significantly from its new independent rear suspension, which improved passenger and cargo space. Front-seat room remained ample, with Denali models offering 12-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated leather seats. However, long drives revealed that the seats lacked ultimate support, and the hard door panel edges were uncomfortable for elbows.

Second-row seats now slid and collapsed to enhance comfort and cargo space. Heated second-row seats came standard in the Denali, and a power release feature aided third-row access. The redesigned third-row seat offered genuine thigh support and space for adults, a major improvement over the previous model. Cargo capacity also saw considerable gains, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the third row (41.5 for the Denali XL), expanding to 72.6 cubic feet (93.8 for Denali XL) with the third row folded, and topping out at 122.9 cubic feet (144.7 for Denali XL).

In the 2021 Honda Odyssey, easy-to-read instruments, logical controls, and abundant storage were highlights. However, the lack of a stereo tuning knob and confusing transmission gear buttons were drawbacks. Most trims featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, which was comfortable and included armrests. Elite trims added heating, ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Passenger seats lacked height adjustment but generally offered good support.

Storage was excellent, with numerous compartments including door shelves. The Magic Slide second-row seat system, standard in all but the LX trim, offered versatile configurations for varying needs, although the non-adjustable armrests disappointed some users. The third-row seats comfortably accommodated children and adults.

Cargo space behind the third row measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and reaching a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. Despite flatter-folding seats, physically removing the second-row seats for maximum capacity remained cumbersome.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment suite. Standard features included a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capability. Over-the-air updates ensured the system stayed current. Additional upgrades included wireless charging, a navigation system, a 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system, and a dual 12.6-inch Rear Seat Media system.

However, the rear entertainment system, although advanced, had usability issues. Children struggled to stream content initially but eventually succeeded with the right adapters. The Bose audio system, despite being premium, failed to impress with its flat sound quality. The 15-inch head-up display, rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles improved maneuverability and overall tech experience.

In the 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, text-messaging support, HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system, usable simultaneously from 2021. The Elite trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging.

Odyssey Touring and Elite trims came with HondaLink subscription services offering safety, remote operating capabilities, and concierge services. Despite extensive tech offerings, the lack of a tuning knob for ease of radio station changing and underwhelming voice-recognition software were notable negatives. The rear-seat entertainment system in higher trims drew mixed responses due to its non-touchscreen nature and control limitations.

The 2021 GMC Yukon came well-equipped with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included forward collision warning, daytime pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking below 50 mph, and automatic high-beam headlights. Starting with SLT trim, additional features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance were included. Rear pedestrian alert was available on higher trims, and adaptive cruise control with enhanced emergency braking was exclusive to the Denali.

The adaptive cruise and lane assistance technologies worked smoothly, providing a comfortable driving experience. Although crash-test ratings were pending at the time of evaluation, the Yukon’s substantial curb weight implied robust crash safety akin to other large SUVs and trucks.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey elevated its safety credentials with Honda Sensing ADAS suite standard across all trims, including new capabilities like low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a convenient ADAS settings menu. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings required a step up to the EX trim.

The Odyssey’s ADAS generally performed well, but could apply uneven braking in traffic and used a noticeable steering wheel wobble for lane departure alerts. Carrying forward its strong structural integrity from the previous model, the Odyssey was expected to continue earning high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, apart from a four-star rating for rollover resistance.