2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with updates to the grille and front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and new wheel designs for higher trims aimed to modernize its look. The Odyssey was available in five trims, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, featured upscale touches like perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its luxurious feel. The Odyssey's interior improvements, including new seating materials and tri-color floor mats, contributed to its appeal as a premium minivan.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV with a distinctive, playful design, appealing to younger buyers. Its front end featured a busy arrangement of lights and a grille, while the rear was more subdued. The interior mirrored this fun attitude with neat seat patterns and a straightforward layout. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, and higher trims offered leather upgrades. Despite its compact size, the Kona managed to balance a unique style with practicality, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fun and functional vehicle.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 21.8 mpg. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. Despite brake improvements, the Odyssey's brakes struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for further upgrades.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine featured a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Kona's performance was agile and engaging, with a comfortable ride on curvy roads. Fuel economy varied by configuration, with the base engine achieving up to 30 mpg combined and the turbo engine up to 30 mpg with front-wheel drive.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and well-organized interior, with logical controls and ample storage. The driver's seat was highly adjustable and comfortable, with heated and ventilated options in the Elite trim. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating arrangements, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with up to 144.9 cubic feet available, though removing the second-row seats was necessary for maximum capacity.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent front-seat space, though support could be improved for spirited driving. Rear-seat legroom was limited, but headroom was adequate. The Kona's cargo space was smaller than many competitors, though folding rear seats expanded the area. Small-item storage was plentiful, with large door pockets and a spacious center console.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more from the EX trim. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Odyssey's technology suite was extensive, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features were unique, allowing communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available upgrades included a larger touchscreen, navigation, and a premium audio system. The Kona's infotainment system was intuitive and responsive, offering easy access to features and settings.

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 IIHS and NHTSA, though some ADAS features could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors enhanced safety further.