2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with updates to its grille and front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and new wheel designs for higher trims modernized its look. The Odyssey was available in five trims, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, featured perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new tri-color floor mats, enhancing its upscale appeal. The 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces added to its refined aesthetic, making it a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage's design was a mix of bold and questionable elements. While the tiger-nose grille was a signature Kia feature, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a fake mustache. However, other design aspects, like the four-dot running light signature and the Volkswagen-style symmetry, were well-executed. The SX Turbo trim, with its 19-inch wheels, gave the Sportage a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with polished metallic accents and a high-contrast interior. The use of buttons and knobs for controls made it user-friendly, and the transmission shifter's operation added a sense of quality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 22 mpg combined, with an average of 21.8 mpg during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and the SX Turbo's 240 horsepower engine. The latter provided quick acceleration, especially beneficial at higher elevations. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, with optional all-wheel drive featuring a locking center differential. The Sportage's ride was smooth, with a sophisticated driving character. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and suspension enhanced its sporty feel, though the steering could have been sharper. Overall, the Sportage was fun to drive but not as refined as some competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with logical controls and comfortable seating. 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 seats offered versatile configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 144.9 cubic feet, though removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its compact size, provided a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim offered perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. While interior storage was generous, the maximum cargo volume of 60.1 cubic feet was below segment leaders. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's technology suite included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, WiFi, and a rear-seat entertainment system. HondaLink subscription services offered additional features, though the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while comprehensive, lacked a touchscreen, which disappointed younger passengers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning. However, the UVO Link system lacked sophistication, with no WiFi hotspot and wired smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the system was straightforward and easy to use.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems. New features included low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey's safety ratings were impressive, with top scores from the NHTSA and expected high ratings from the IIHS, thanks to its structural integrity and standard LED headlights.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance across all trims. The SX Turbo added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. While effective, the lane-keeping assistance could be intrusive. The Sportage received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for a Top Safety Pick.