2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Ford Explorer

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. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, 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 new tri-color floor mats, enhancing the upscale look and feel of the Odyssey.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered eight models, priced from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The test vehicle, an Explorer King Ranch, featured 4WD, extra-cost Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination charge. The King Ranch trim had exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. Despite its high price, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, rakish roofline, and tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars created a "floating roof" visual effect.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked 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 ride quality. The brakes, however, did not withstand heavy use, showing signs of fade during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims had a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and up to 21 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well with its Trail setting and 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The Timberline model offered even better off-road capability. The Explorer King Ranch felt athletic in daily driving, with the sport-tuned ST trim providing an even more engaging experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for various seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all rear seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage in the front door armrests and dashboard. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey also offered a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was subpar, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch also featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, with an available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the ADAS could apply uneven braking and had a wobbly lane-departure warning system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the 2021 model earned five-star ratings except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The Explorer came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The ADAS worked well, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver's hands was lacking.