2022 Jeep Wrangler 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 trims, 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.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler required buyers to choose between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door model, followed by a selection of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, added features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The standout feature was the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The test vehicle, equipped with a gasoline V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, had a price tag of $58,845.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a mandatory $4,000 option, and the test vehicle included the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA rated the Wrangler Unlimited with the eTorque V6 at 21 mpg in combined driving, but the test vehicle averaged 17.6 mpg on the evaluation route and 16.8 mpg over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top and doors removed. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities and rugged character were its main attractions, despite its thirst for fuel and lack of refinement.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered 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 were spacious. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The seats were comfortable, and the cloth upholstery was durable. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others requiring adjustments. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but had agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the door panels and small compartments. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare tire, required careful handling. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with 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 additional features like automatic collision notification and remote engine operation. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, had a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control with a new air filtration system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested it required extra care while driving.