2021 INFINITI QX50 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 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. 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 INFINITI QX50 stood out in the luxury compact crossover segment with its distinctive design and engineering. Its large honeycomb grille, curved hood with athletic bulges, and a unique chrome strip aft of the C-pillar gave it character. The test vehicle featured a panoramic moonroof that brightened the cabin and offered magnificent views. However, thick B-pillars and a short rear window opening slightly hindered visibility. The Sensory AWD test vehicle came with attractive 20-inch silver-painted machine finish alloy wheels and all-season run-flat tires. Inside, the QX50 boasted an attractive cabin with soft-touch materials, aluminum trim accents, and a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The front seats offered heating and cooling, enhancing comfort in various weather conditions. The interior controls were user-friendly, with actual knobs and buttons for radio and climate control settings.

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 included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured 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 yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), producing 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The VC-Turbo engine adjusted the compression ratio for a balance of power and efficiency. The engine operated smoothly and quietly, though opinions on its performance varied. The CVT had simulated shift points for a more familiar driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The test vehicle's intelligent AWD provided reassurance during a rainy, 360-mile drive. The QX50 offered a drive mode selector with Standard, Sport, Eco, and Personal modes. Sport mode enhanced responsiveness, while Eco mode prioritized fuel efficiency but felt sluggish. The QX50 remained composed and stable during testing.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. 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 all seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 felt spacious inside, with ample hip, shoulder, and headroom, even with the panoramic moonroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 38.7 inches of legroom, and the sliding second-row seats allowed for flexible legroom or cargo space. The cargo area offered 31.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The test vehicle included the optional Cargo package, adding a reversible cargo area protector, cargo blocks, and nets. The QX50 also featured numerous cupholders, storage bins, and charging options, including USB ports and a 12-volt charging port.

Starting with the EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 featured the InTouch infotainment system with dual display screens—an 8-inch upper LCD/VGA and a 7-inch lower color unit. It included voice recognition, Infiniti InTouch Services, and a suite of connected services. Pairing a smartphone via Bluetooth was easy, and Apple CarPlay integration worked seamlessly. The 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The QX50 also came with ProPilot Assist, an advanced driving assistance system combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Around View Monitor with front and rear sonar and moving-object detection made parking easier.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective but could be smoother.

The 2021 INFINITI QX50 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot warning, predictive forward-collision warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and more. The QX50 received a four-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS for crash protection and front crash prevention.