2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was 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 new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, 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 $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added 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 the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, with two rows of seats instead of three. The styling similarities between the two SUVs were evident both inside and out, with the Passport’s dash layout being visually identical to that of the Pilot. The Passport featured Honda’s awkward “button shifter” design instead of a conventional lever for the automatic transmission. Despite this, the Passport had a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels included Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The entry-level Sport came with features like 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, push-button start, and tri-zone climate control. The EX-L added leather upholstery, a power moonroof, and a power rear liftgate. The Touring trim included front-and-rear parking sensors, a hands-free liftgate, and a WiFi hotspot. The range-topping Elite trim added heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging.

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 year’s model, featuring Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management to conserve fuel. The EPA estimated the Odyssey’s fuel economy at 22 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. However, the Odyssey lacked an all-wheel-drive option, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy and icy regions. The 2021 model introduced a new electronic brake booster, enhancing the adaptive cruise control’s stop-and-go capability and improving 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 did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Passport offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well, though the stop-start system could be abrupt. The Passport’s ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, optimized for commuting and weekend adventures. It offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and the AWD model’s Intelligent Traction Management included Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. The FWD Passport could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the AWD model could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

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 was comfortable with a 12-way power adjustment, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and 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 and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Honda Passport provided 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of storage was available in an under-floor tray. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position offered excellent visibility, and the center console had a deep bin and an open cargo tray. Both front and rear seats had deep in-door pockets for storage. The rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, and they could recline and slide for added comfort.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the infotainment system lacked a tuning knob, and the voice-recognition technology was not as advanced as modern smartphone assistants. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-Ray disc player, and built-in streaming apps, but it was not a touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard with the newly-standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This was an advantage over the three-row Pilot, which required moving up to at least the EX trim to get these features. However, the Passport’s infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing on all trims. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, a road-sign recognition system, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control could apply uneven braking, and the lane-departure warning system wobbled the steering wheel instead of vibrating it.

The 2021 Honda Passport came well-equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests. However, it received "Acceptable" ratings for headlights, child-seat anchor ease of use, and front crash prevention tech.