2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated 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 gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the destination charge. The Elite trim offered perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and improved seating materials, giving the Odyssey a more upscale look and feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid maintained the styling updates from the previous year, with no changes for 2021. It looked similar to the standard gas-only CR-V, with "Hybrid" badges and blue Honda logos as distinguishing features. The LED fog lights had a more sophisticated design, and the rear bumper was different. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid featured unique instrumentation showing battery-charge status, power regeneration, and power distribution. The steering wheel paddles managed the regenerative braking system. Available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, all CR-V Hybrids came with standard all-wheel drive, with pricing between $30,560 and $36,350. The test vehicle, a Touring trim, featured extra-cost Platinum White Pearl paint and ivory leather, priced at $37,920, including the destination charge.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain was identical to the previous model year, offering smooth and effortless power. The engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, and the test averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. However, it included a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during testing in a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid utilized Honda's two-motor hybrid technology, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric assist motor and a generator/starter motor, producing a total of 212 horsepower. The electric assist motor provided 232 pound-feet of immediate torque. The CR-V Hybrid offered three driving modes—EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive—automatically selecting the most appropriate one. It also had three driver-selected modes: Econ, Sport, and EV. The added weight of the battery pack and electric motors improved weight distribution and retained the standard CR-V AWD model's ground clearance. The CR-V Hybrid was quick off the line, with a pleasant driving experience, but returned 33.7 mpg on the testing route, below the EPA rating of 38 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid achieved better fuel efficiency without special driving conditions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. However, it lacked a tuning knob for the stereo, and the transmission gear buttons could be confusing. The driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with 12-way power adjustment and inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers found it comfortable. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid excelled in carrying people and cargo. The front seats were supportive, with 12-way power adjustment for the driver and heated front seats. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the rear seat offered remarkable space, similar to the Accord sedan. The rear seat had air conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and a flat floor for accommodating three passengers. Interior storage was impressive, though the Touring trim's wireless smartphone charger occupied center console space. The CR-V Hybrid's cargo space measured 33.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat, reduced from the standard CR-V due to the battery pack. Maximum cargo space was 68.7 cubic feet, less than the standard CR-V and the RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying free trial periods. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. Touring and Elite trims offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid's infotainment system, redesigned in 2017, appeared modern but performed poorly. It featured a seven-inch touchscreen with a power/volume knob but lacked a tuning knob. The system was slow to start, and voice-recognition technology was limited. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the navigation map display was cluttered. HondaLink connected services were minimal. The Touring trim included wireless smartphone charging, though it occupied center console space. The nine-speaker premium audio system sounded good, and the infotainment system supported text messaging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Pandora internet radio.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including the base LX. The system expanded its capabilities with a new radar unit and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from EX trim. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance, which received four stars.

The 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and Road Departure Mitigation. The CR-V Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These systems worked smoothly and accurately, though the CR-V's technology was less sophisticated than some competitors. The CR-V Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.