2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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 added 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 the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT trim did not impress with its new treatment. It lacked a suspension lift and more aggressive tires, and the side steps, while useful for roof rack access, impeded entry and exit and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT was one of five gasoline Santa Fe trims, priced higher than the SE and SEL but lower than the turbocharged Limited and Calligraphy trims. It included all the equipment from the SEL and its Convenience Package, with a starting price of $34,095, including a $1,295 destination charge. The test vehicle, in Portofino Gray with a black cloth interior, offered little visual contrast. Despite this, the interior patterns and brightwork made the cabin a pleasant place to spend time. The XRT demonstrated thoughtful design and high quality for its price point, though it did not look or feel as upscale as the Limited or Calligraphy trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. This drivetrain, identical to the previous year's model, powered the front wheels and included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 and automatic transmission combination provided smooth, effortless power, with variable cylinder management to conserve fuel. The EPA estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, and testing averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and well-managed body motions. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use well, heating up and fading during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was adequate for getting the nearly two-ton SUV up to freeway speeds and cruising comfortably. For more power, buyers could upgrade to the Limited or Calligraphy trims, which featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The XRT's transmission performed well, with Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes available. The default Smart mode was suitable for typical driving conditions, but the engine struggled on hills and during quick acceleration. The test vehicle averaged 22.3 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 24 mpg. The XRT's ride and handling were composed and refined, with excellent suspension isolation and a quiet cabin. The SUV felt secure and under control, though the XRT treatment did not enhance off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard on all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding 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 tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT featured a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer and rear air conditioning vents. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats offered ample space and comfort, with rear side-window shades and USB charging ports. Storage space was adequate, with various nooks and crannies, though the largest tray was hard to access. The Smart Tailgate feature allowed hands-free opening, though it could be overly sensitive. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seats 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, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered various connected services, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and Bluelink connected services were standard. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and clean graphics. The XRT did not have the upgraded infotainment system available on higher trims, but it included digital key technology for Android devices and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system. The Bluelink system offered remote engine starting, car finding, and more.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features for 2021, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were available on EX trim and above. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT included numerous standard safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The XRT lacked Highway Driving Assist but performed well in testing. Additional features included Junction Turning Detection, Safe Exit Assist, and an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.