2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new model year introduced a redesigned 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 also introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey's look by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, which we tested, featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new tri-color floor mats, enhancing its upscale appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with the new Nissan Armada, Ariya, and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design with a double V-motion grille, thinner and longer headlights, and a new rear bumper and LED taillight combination. The Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The model offered a variety of new paint options and maintained its two-tone paint job option, enhancing its stylish and distinctive appearance. The Kicks SR, our test model, included sporty features like LED light signature accents, black heated outside mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, contributing to its sporty aesthetic.

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. The Odyssey's fuel-saving variable cylinder management technology contributed to an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined, with our testing averaging 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for improvement.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to nimble handling. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Kicks performed well on icy roads. The Kicks SR trim included an integrated dynamic-control module with features like active engine brake and intelligent ride control. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers enjoyed legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The Odyssey offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided 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 was cumbersome, despite improvements in seat folding.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The Kicks featured a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's technology suite included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more starting with the EX trim. Touring and Elite trims added features like a navigation system, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive technology package, with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with immersive 360-degree sound. The Kicks also featured a surround-view monitor and available WiFi hotspot. NissanConnect services provided convenience and security features, enhancing the Kicks' tech offerings.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard on all trims. The system included features like adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Kicks came with 10 airbags and additional safety features on the SV and SR trims. While the 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested, the 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Kicks had a strong history of few recalls, adding to its safety credentials.