2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Kia Sportage

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 $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim included 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 it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, was described by some as frog-like, while Kia called it “Euro-focused.” This two-row crossover SUV had a relatively short wheelbase and short overhangs, making it ideal for city driving. The headlights carried over from 2020, and the Sportage could be equipped with 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen display served as a stylish centerpiece, flanked by air vents, with physical buttons and knobs for tuning and volume below the screen. Two cupholders were positioned between the front seats, and Kia’s now-old logo rested on the steering wheel. While not the most tech-forward cabin, the 2021 Sportage’s interior was still a pleasant place to sit.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management, a fuel-saving technology, and the EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. However, it had a new electronic brake booster supporting stop-and-go low-speed following capability for adaptive cruise control, improved brake pedal feel, and response. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a Southern California heatwave test.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered LX, EX, or SX Turbo trims with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine making 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All Sportages had a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the FWD Sportage with the 2.4-liter engine was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while AWD models achieved 21/25/23. The turbo Sportages had lower fuel economy, with FWD models at 20/28/23 and AWD models at 19/24/21. The Sportage’s McPherson-strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll. The steering was less impressive, and the tires struggled to grip as much as the engine wanted to go. However, the Sportage was rewarding to drive, especially in SX Turbo trim.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. 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 the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for the driver and passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, which was not competitive with other compact crossovers.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. 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 included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard equipment. Most trims also included Kia’s UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Sportage’s technology was user-friendly, with logical menus, physical buttons, and handy knobs, though it was not the most cutting-edge.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS and had top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star score for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a strong suite of standard ADAS, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS for SX Turbo trims and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.