2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed 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, enhancing the Odyssey's aesthetic appeal. The Elite trim, in particular, featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura minivan.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, sharing its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels contributed to its supersized appearance. The Suburban offered six trims, each with distinct grille, fascia, and wheel designs, allowing for customization. Our RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of comfort, from the economically comfortable LS trim to the plush High Country. The RST trim featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark.

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, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, with our tests averaging 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. Despite improvements in brake pedal feel, the brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, provided noticeable power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. Our RST test vehicle excelled in towing tests, offering a stress-free experience with its powerful V8 engine.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-organized interior with logical controls and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. 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.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was easy. Cargo space was impressive, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with seats folded flat. The power-sliding center console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, the Suburban's size made maneuvering and parking challenging, especially in tight spaces. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those accustomed to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity options starting with the EX trim. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features allowed communication with rear-seat passengers.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a wealth of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was available on higher trims. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT and above. The Suburban's audio system ranged from a basic six-speaker setup to a premium Bose CenterPoint system, providing varying sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS Top Safety Pick status.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with varying scores in individual crash tests.