2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Ford Bronco

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. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, boasted 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its attractive retro styling and go-anywhere attitude. It returned with two new range-topping models: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor. The Everglades model was built for swamp trekking and deep water, featuring an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven distinct trims, all with impressive off-road capabilities. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate, and modular construction for easy customization. Inside, it featured sealed switches and buttons, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs in the floor, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures.

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, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control included a new stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with firm but comfortable suspension and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving, while the V6 was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with models like the Wildtrak and Everglades conquering challenging terrains with ease. The Everglades model, tested on Drummond Island, handled deep-rutted muddy trails, water crossings, and steep rock climbs effortlessly. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride and better steering than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, making it a more comfortable road trip companion. Wind noise was a minor issue, but overall, the Bronco's performance was impressive both on and off the road.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, 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 a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet. However, removing the second-row seats to maximize cargo space was cumbersome.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The two-door model offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, while the four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and rubberized phone trays. It also offered stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility. External hard mounting points and hidden anchors enhanced its practicality for off-road adventures.

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 a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2022 Ford Bronco smartly integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred settings. The forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature were particularly useful for navigating challenging terrains. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses, sharp graphics, and helpful off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and an available wireless charging pad added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard inclusion of Honda Sensing across all trims. This suite of advanced driving assistance systems included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button for easy access to settings. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features such as hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional safety features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package added front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, while the Luxe package included adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received four-out-of-five stars for frontal crash protection and three-out-of-five stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores for frontal, side, and roof strength tests.