2021 Land Rover Defender 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. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, boasted 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 Land Rover Defender aimed to echo the vibe of its predecessors while bringing the SUV into the modern era. It featured half-round LED headlights, a structural-looking grille, flat-topped fenders, and a floating roof. The tops of the fenders wore composite cladding with a diamond-plate pattern, and the spare tire was mounted on the side-hinged tailgate. The Defender's interior emphasized exposed structure, with a dash held between horizontal beams, exposed Allen-head bolts, and beefy controls. The leather-upholstered seating was both tough and luxurious, and the digital instrument panel and center touchscreen interface were crisp and clean. The overall fit and finish were first-rate, presenting a bold yet tasteful design.

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. However, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go low-speed following capability. 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 intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender offered two powertrains in the U.S.: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid setup with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD with low range and Terrain Response. The Defender's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a 30.1-degree approach angle, 37.6-degree departure angle, and 35.4 inches of wading depth. On-road, the Defender was quick and comfortable, with the 3.0-liter model accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Defender also had a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds and a payload capacity of over 1,700 pounds. The test vehicle impressed with its driving character, offering a rock-solid and comfortable ride on highways and ease of maneuverability in city driving.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, and 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 tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender, built on a unibody platform, featured four-wheel independent multi-link air suspension for enhanced on-road and off-road performance. The Defender offered a jump seat option for three-across seating in the front and a third-row seat for two in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Luggage space behind the second row in the 110 was 34-34.6 cubic feet, and 15.6 cubic feet in the 90. The three-door model had 58.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, while the 110 offered 78.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

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 more. Touring trim added a navigation system, WiFi capability, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features like automatic collision notification and remote operation of the engine and door locks. 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, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender used Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing remote software updates for 14 individual modules. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard. Multiple camera views, including a "transparent hood" view, were available for off-roading. The audio system could be upgraded to a Meridian sound system with up to 700 watts of amplification. A full-color head-up display and ClearSight rear-view mirror were also available.

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 adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were accurate but could be smoother. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS but came with an extensive list of standard safety features, including front airbags, electronic traction control, dynamic stability control, emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane-keep assist, and a 360-degree parking aid. The Defender underwent extensive durability testing, ensuring its safety and reliability in various conditions.