2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. The grille and front bumper were redesigned, and all trim levels came with standard LED headlights featuring automatic high-beam operation. A new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretched across the taillights, and new wheel designs debuted for the top three trims. These minor tweaks modernized the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels, 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 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was built on Volvo’s SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform. The XC60 shared an elegant, tailored crossover design with short front and rear overhangs, athletic body sides, and crisp details. The upright grille featured Volvo’s iron mark logo, and the front headlights had an LED daytime running light in the shape of Thor’s hammer. The paint quality, chrome, and trim were beautifully executed, and the large alloy wheels (up to 21 inches on top trims) were fashionable and attractive. Inside, the XC60 boasted clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene aura. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was easier to accept than in previous years. The cabin’s little details, like the elegant HVAC vents, added to the near-luxury status of the XC60, making it a very nice place to spend time.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission 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 (AWD), 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, did not withstand heavy use well, showing signs of fade during a heatwave test.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all using a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 models produced 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the T6 models delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model pushed these figures to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft. The XC60 T8 could drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone. The AWD system and torque vectoring made the XC60 agile and easy to drive quickly. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension smoothed out bumps, making it a great road-trip car. EPA fuel economy ranged from 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the T5 FWD to 27 mpg combined for the T8 PHEV and 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

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, 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 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 the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with highly adjustable front seats that were heated and quickly warmed up in cold weather. The heating system, rear glass heater, and windshield defroster were effective in sub-freezing temperatures. The cabin featured smart storage solutions and intuitive controls. The XC60 offered 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Each model could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and more. The Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features like remote operation and concierge services. 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 player, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Volvo XC60’s Sensus infotainment system used a tablet-style touchpad interface with a learning curve. It featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Volvo On Call app provided vehicle-specific functions like remote locking and starting. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system in the test vehicle was exceptional.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), as standard. It included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and more. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 had a strong safety heritage and was awarded a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It came with a host of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. The semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60 was governed to a top speed of 112 mph for safety.