2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained its familiar design, with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model featured a refreshed 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, enhancing the Odyssey's aesthetic appeal. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, ambient dashboard lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, elevating its interior to a more luxurious level.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made its presence known through its unique sound and appearance. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was distinguishable by a "4xe" badge, sky blue tow hooks, and accents, with the power port located at the left base of the windshield. The Wrangler 4xe's silent operation, when running on electric power, turned heads as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe maintained its rugged, hose-me-out look, with blue seat stitching and special gauges related to the PHEV powertrain. Despite its utilitarian design, the interior offered more soft-touch materials than expected, providing a balance between simplicity and comfort.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The Odyssey's fuel-saving variable cylinder management technology contributed to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, producing a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler 4xe offered an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving and a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. In hybrid mode, the EPA rated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe's powertrain modes—Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save—allowed for versatile driving experiences, from maximizing power to conserving battery for specific situations. The Wrangler 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded four-wheel drive system with electronic lockers, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and well-organized interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, provided comfort with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with high door sills and grab handles aiding entry and exit. The driving position offered a clear view over the hood and fenders, while manual front seat height adjusters helped find the best position. The center console's storage was limited due to the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear-seat space was adequate, with air conditioning vents, USB ports, and MOLLE-style storage straps. Cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, with a maximum of 72.4 cubic feet when folded. The Wrangler's tailgate design, while charming, could be inconvenient for accessing cargo in tight spaces.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's technology suite began with the EX trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera, while Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features like remote engine operation and personal assistant access. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, with a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, was not touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technology focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system, with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system providing Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. The Alpine sound system effectively countered wind noise, though conversation was difficult at high volumes. The Uconnect system was intuitive but showed signs of aging in terms of load time and responsiveness. The Trip Summary data panel and charging indicator lights offered useful information about charging status and time estimates, enhancing the Wrangler 4xe's technological appeal.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing, an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) suite. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's structural integrity and safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were expected to carry over from the previous model, with top ratings in most categories. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be uneven, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective than a vibration.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler's LED headlights with automatic high beams received a Marginal rating from the IIHS, while its small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver was also rated Marginal. The NHTSA assigned the Wrangler Unlimited a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.