2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

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. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura minivan.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The interior featured upgraded detailing and a simulated suede headliner. The Calligraphy trim looked more upscale than other Palisades, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Beige over Navy Blue color scheme with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather and a suede headliner made the Calligraphy’s cabin feel like a bargain for its price. The Palisade’s interior was luxurious, rivaling other midsize three-row SUVs, except for the Kia Telluride SX Prestige.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine provided smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and adaptive cruise control in heavy traffic. While the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, its brakes struggled under heavy use, especially in hot conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came with a 3.8-liter V6 engine delivering 291 horsepower, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with an optional AWD system, which included a Snow mode and a Lock function for better traction. The Palisade achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in combined driving. It provided a firmer ride compared to its Kia Telluride sibling, with excellent body-motion control and a communicative suspension. The Palisade was predictable and confidence-inspiring, with plenty of power and easy maneuverability. It also featured a 5,000-pound towing capacity and a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-organized interior with legible instrumentation and logical controls. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space and accessibility. It featured eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and slid forward for easy access to the third row. The Palisade provided 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, though it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription services offered various features, but the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The 8-inch system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Driver Talk intercom system. A head-up display and surround-view camera system were also available, enhancing convenience and safety.

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, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and Safe Exit Assist. Limited and Calligraphy trims included a Blind View Monitor and Highway Drive Assist, offering smooth and sophisticated driving assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for families.