2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling that included a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert at the rear and new wheel designs for higher trims modernized its look. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, featured upscale touches like perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its interior appeal. The Odyssey Elite's 19-inch wheels and reduced chrome accents contributed to its more luxurious feel, positioning it as a premium choice among minivans.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 combined Cadillac's signature design elements with a compact footprint, resulting in a distinctive yet somewhat awkward appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport trims offered unique styling cues, with the former featuring bright chrome and the latter sporting darker trim and a mesh grille. The XT5's interior, especially with the optional Platinum Package, exuded luxury with semi-aniline leather upholstery and a microfiber sueded headliner. However, the interior design lacked a strong thematic identity, falling short of the distinctiveness seen in competitors like Volvo or Lincoln. Despite this, the XT5 maintained a quiet cabin, enhancing its luxury appeal.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivered smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were well-balanced, with firm yet comfortable suspension and precise steering. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, though the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and quick shifts. The V6, in particular, offered ample power for daily driving. The XT5's performance suspension with adaptive dampers provided a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps while maintaining excellent body control. The steering was responsive, contributing to a nimble driving experience. The XT5's quiet cabin further enhanced its luxury credentials.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality, offering comfortable seating and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats in the Elite trim added to the comfort. The Magic Slide second-row seats 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.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered competitive interior space, with more front headroom than some German rivals but less rear headroom. The seats were comfortable but could have used more cushioning. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 63 cubic feet with them folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available for added convenience. The center console housed a rotary controller and shifter, but space was limited.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, and a CabinWatch camera. The Elite trim boasted an 11-speaker sound system and wireless charging. HondaLink subscription services offered additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability improved, the tech still lagged behind competitors. The rotary controller and capacitive touchpads were not user-friendly. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, offering advanced driving assistance systems 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. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective but could be smoother.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist as standard. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking. The XT5 received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though its headlights and LATCH system received lower scores. The Safety Alert Seat provided tactile feedback for warnings.