2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Buick Encore GX

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look with minor tweaks for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX, in contrast, boasted a stylish design free of awkward proportions or dissatisfying lines, a significant improvement over the original Encore. It came in three trim levels: Preferred, Select, and Essence, with an optional Sport Touring (ST) package. Buyers could choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with two turbocharged three-cylinder engines available. The test model, an Essence trim with the 1.3-liter turbo engine, included extra-cost paint, a power hands-free rear liftgate, and three option packages. Despite its high MSRP, Buick offered significant discounts for GM customers and attractive lease deals for non-GM owners.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey lacked AWD, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX offered two turbocharged three-cylinder engines: a 1.2-liter with 137 horsepower and a 1.3-liter with 155 horsepower. The larger engine provided better performance, especially for highway driving. FWD models had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models used a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Encore GX's ride quality was inconsistent, feeling brittle over rough roads and bouncy over bumps. Despite Buick's QuietTuning efforts, the cabin wasn't particularly quiet. The Encore GX handled well on winding roads but lacked overall refinement, especially given its premium positioning.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and well-designed interior with logical controls and ample storage. The Elite trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. 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. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX had supportive front seats with power adjustments and heating, but the rear seats were less comfortable, lacking thigh support and air conditioning vents. Interior storage was good, with a trunk capacity of 23.5 cubic feet, expandable to 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle included a hands-free power liftgate and a fold-flat front passenger seat for carrying long items. Despite its compact size, the Encore GX offered practical storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features like automatic collision notification and remote vehicle operation. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Essence came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and Buick Connected Services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle included a navigation system, natural voice recognition, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a high-definition surround-view camera. Wireless smartphone charging was available through the Convenience Package. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times, pleasing graphics, and intuitive controls.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was expected to receive a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX came with standard Buick Driver Confidence, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on higher trims. The Encore GX also featured Teen Driver technology and automatic collision notification with an active connected services subscription. The adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go function required manual reactivation after a few seconds, and the lane-keeping assist felt unnatural. The Encore GX earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS had not tested it.