2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Lexus NX

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, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured 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 Lexus NX retained its sharp design lines and familial styling attributes, making it distinctly similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The F Sport version featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, a lower bumper with chrome trim, and 18-inch F Sport wheels with all-season or summer tires. The interior boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport model line, with options for Circuit Red, Black, and Arctic White/Black color schemes. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a gauge cluster featuring a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack showed its age with an odd design and limited open small-item storage.

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 fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had 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 but comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard on 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 provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space behind the third-row seat measured 32.8 cubic feet, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats tumbled and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Lexus NX had a well-styled and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and the second-row seats offering good legroom. The NX featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and available heated and ventilated seats. Cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and available power-folding rear seats. Engine noise was noticeable, but road and wind noise were minimal, maintaining the typical Lexus quiet cabin.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, 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 a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, 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. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Navigation package added predictive traffic information, ETA calculation, fuel station guidance, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus Premium Audio system was standard, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering remote engine start/stop, climate control adjustment, vehicle-finder, and guest driver-monitoring functions. Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts and a 10-year subscription was included.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to award the Odyssey a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights as optional extras. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, a "Superior" rating for front crash-prevention technology, and an "Acceptable" score for the LATCH system's ease of use. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating.