2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Nissan Armada

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 added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, enhancing the upscale look and feel.

The 2021 Nissan Armada underwent a significant facelift, aligning it with Nissan's new signature exterior design. Available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum grades, the Armada's highest Platinum trim was tested. The redesigned exterior featured a new grille, front fenders, front and rear bumpers, and LED headlights and taillights, giving it a modern look while retaining its traditional beefy and athletic styling. Standard features included body-color over fenders, dark-painted roof rails, an acoustic windshield, and front side windows. Depending on the trim level, the Armada rode on 18-, 20-, or 22-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The new Nissan logo was prominently placed on the grille, rear, steering wheel, and wheel caps. Despite the updates, the Armada's rear design retained an underbite that aged the model compared to its completely redesigned competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

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 Nissan Armada was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Armada came standard with rear-wheel drive, with automatic four-wheel drive available. Despite its weight, the Armada was a capable off-roader with a skid plate, double-wishbone suspension, Hitachi twin-tube shock absorbers, and up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance. Fuel economy was a weak point, with RWD models getting 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 16 mpg combined, while 4WD models got 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. The Armada's handling had improved, making highway driving less of a chore, but its turning radius and parking maneuverability remained challenging. The Armada had a best-in-class 8,500-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

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 front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but passengers didn't mind due to good thigh support. Storage space was excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the center console's top tray. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Nissan Armada, as a full-size SUV, required a hop to get in and out, aided by standard running boards and in-cabin handles. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen was large and responsive, but the seek/tune knob and climate control dial were far from the driver. The front seats were power-adjustable, with power lumbar support. The second-row captain's chairs, available in SL and Platinum trims, were more comfortable than the bench seat but reduced seating capacity from eight to seven. The third-row seats were less comfortable for adults but usable in a pinch. Cargo space was 16.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 95.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The high load floor made loading and unloading difficult for petite adults. Small-item storage was limited, with the center console storage bin being the exception.

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 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. HondaLink Security, Remote, and Concierge subscription plans were available, with varying free trial periods. The rear-seat entertainment system in 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 drawbacks.

The 2021 Nissan Armada's tech refresh included a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with navigation, a six-speaker stereo system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, NissanConnect Services, keyless entry with push-button start, Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay as standard. Available features included a wireless device charging pad, 13-speaker Bose audio system, rearview camera mirror, and a second-row entertainment system. The camera mirror allowed for a traditional or camera view of the rear. The Platinum trim included all these features as standard. The analog tachometer and speedometer, along with a functional but unattractive steering wheel, provided limited control of the driver information screen and some infotainment functions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including a new radar unit and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. Honda Sensing added low-speed follow capability to the adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to ADAS settings. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from the EX trim. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother, with adaptive cruise control applying uneven braking and lane-departure warning wobbling the steering wheel. The Odyssey retained its top five-star NHTSA ratings, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Nissan Armada had not been fully rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a three-star rollover rating due to a 23.7-percent rollover risk. Standard safety features included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking. Additional standard features were adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear door alert. Optional features included a rear camera mirror and surround-view camera system. The Armada lacked advanced driving assist technologies like Nissan ProPilot Assist or Super Cruise.