2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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 debuted 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. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the 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 Hyundai Santa Fe, on the other hand, impressed with its value proposition. It offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a new gas-electric hybrid powertrain, with trim levels including SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy for gas models, and Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited for hybrids. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950. The Santa Fe featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, a reworked grille, and a new bumper. Inside, new colors, patterns, and textures moved the Santa Fe upmarket, with a new bridge-style center console and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The test vehicle, a turbocharged Santa Fe Calligraphy with Stormy Sea paint and AWD, was priced at $43,590. The Calligraphy trim exuded quality with its premium leather interior, panoramic glass sunroof, and refined controls, though the exterior design remained an acquired taste.

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, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, with a total system output of 226 hp. The Limited and Calligraphy trims had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing impressive performance and fuel efficiency, averaging 22.4 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered excellent storage space and logical controls, though it lacked a tuning knob for the stereo. The Elite trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, though the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume of 144.9 cubic feet. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled into the cargo well.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room and comfort, with dual-zone automatic climate control and stain-resistant fabric for cloth seats. The Calligraphy trim featured premium Nappa leather, a suede-like headliner, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat offered generous legroom and comfort, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and rear side-window sunshades. The Santa Fe had a cargo space of 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The smart hands-free power liftgate was convenient but could be triggered unintentionally.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and HondaLink connectivity. Touring trim added a navigation system, WiFi capability, CabinWatch interior camera, and CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered various connected services, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system had wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen offered wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition technology, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. Blue Link connected services were free for three years, providing a range of features, though a WiFi hotspot was not available. The Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist were unique features, allowing for keyless operation and remote parking.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive array of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and rear-occupant alert. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety and convenience. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with LED projector headlights.