2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a refreshed look. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and new wheel designs for the top trims further enhanced its appeal. These changes aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary feel. The Elite trim, in particular, stood out with its perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, making it a more luxurious option in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona underwent a significant makeover, despite not being a total redesign. It was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, with revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty character lines that gave it a sophisticated look. The interior saw improvements with a more horizontal layout, ambient lighting, and a rear USB port for added convenience. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and sporty features, making the Kona look more athletic and appealing to those seeking a dynamic driving experience.

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 rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 21.8 mpg. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes struggled under heavy use during testing.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower. The new Kona N trim took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 horsepower. The Kona's handling was composed and agile, with the N Line trim providing a sporty driving experience. The AWD system and low center of gravity contributed to its stability and maneuverability, making it a pleasure to drive.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers enjoyed legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage space. 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 seat layout offered 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 and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. Rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight at 19.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional connectivity and safety features. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, lacked a touchscreen interface, which disappointed younger passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The N Line and above trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard on the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. Hyundai Blue Link provided remote services and connected features. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy smartphone connectivity and a digital key feature for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, 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. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be abrupt, and the lane-departure warning system's alerts were not as refined as desired.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic driver aid menu, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. However, its child-seat anchor rating was "Marginal," preventing it from achieving Top Safety Pick status.