2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid retained the design updates introduced in the previous year, featuring Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain. It showcased subtle distinctions from its gas-only counterparts, such as "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos. The LED fog lights and rear bumper had unique designs, but overall, the hybrid model maintained a similar appearance to the standard CR-V. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid offered unique instrumentation to display battery-charge status and power distribution, with steering wheel paddles managing the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all models came with standard all-wheel drive, with pricing ranging from $30,560 to $36,350. The Touring trim, tested with a Platinum White Pearl paint, featured luxurious ivory leather and a premium sound system, though the fake wood trim was a notable downside.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the traditional minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim, tested with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, topped a lineup that included LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The Odyssey's interior boasted quality materials, with leather upholstery starting from the EX-L trim. The open-concept design provided ample storage space, and the center stack's layout ensured easy access to commonly used functions. The expansive view through the windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced the driving experience, making the Odyssey a practical and stylish choice for families.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid combined a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor, delivering a total system output of 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It featured three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most suitable one. Additionally, drivers could choose from Econ, Sport, and EV modes. The hybrid system added 194 pounds to the vehicle's weight, improving weight distribution and maintaining the standard CR-V's 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Despite some droning under acceleration, the CR-V Hybrid offered a pleasant driving experience, though it fell short of its EPA rating of 38 mpg, achieving only 33.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 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, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While the Odyssey's brakes exhibited pedal vibration and grumbling during downhill driving, it remained quick and responsive, providing an enjoyable driving experience. However, the brakes needed improvement to handle the vehicle's mission of safely transporting passengers.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered comfortable front seats with 12-way power adjustment and heated options. The rear seat provided ample space, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupied significant space. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo capacity was slightly reduced due to the battery pack, offering 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim offered quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone climate control system. Storage options were abundant, with various compartments and a center console tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility, while the third-row seat offered comfort for adults. The Odyssey's cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, featured a 7-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob. While the system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it lacked a tuning knob and had slow startup times. The voice-recognition technology was limited, and the navigation map was cluttered. The Touring trim offered a nine-speaker premium audio system, but the overall technology package felt outdated.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, along with a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice-command capabilities. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad, but the overall technology package needed improvement.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

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