2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the model year. It featured a new 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 introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Elite trim, in particular, boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura minivan.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It combined quad LED strip headlights and taillights with a large shield-shaped grille and a sloping roofline that leaned more towards a fastback than an SUV. The Sport Prestige model added character with unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark-finished chrome trim. The interior followed an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with minimalistic design elements like a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey achieved an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 21.8 mpg. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 included features like a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty intentions. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for spirited driving. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for aggressive driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though the ride was firm, even in Comfort mode.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The Elite trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 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 Genesis GV70's interior space was average for the segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats in place, expanding to 56.9 cubic feet when folded. The interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The Sport Prestige trim featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, some controls were buried in touchscreen menus, and the posture assist activated unexpectedly.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features like remote operation and concierge services. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were user-friendly. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature, a fingerprint scanner, and a high-tech rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like driver profiles and remote camera activation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It included features 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, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. It also featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the GV70's safety features were impressive.