2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

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 Odyssey was available in 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 destination charge. The Elite trim boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, enhancing its upscale appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. The Velar's design was a sporty adaptation of the big Range Rover's tall profile, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's roof sloped toward the rear, while a wide shoulder crease rose, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents, a darkened grille, and a more aggressive front bumper. The test car, a base Velar S trim, featured the optional Black Exterior Pack and 20-inch black wheels, set against Fuji White paint. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish, with a polished black center stack and attractive seat patterns.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain was unchanged from the previous year, offering smooth and effortless power. The engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, struggled under heavy use, particularly in hot conditions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved cornering and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque or 395 hp and 405 lb-ft with an electric supercharger. This powertrain, introduced in 2021, enhanced performance while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and the Elite trim added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Storage space was excellent, with Honda's Magic Slide second-row seat layout providing versatile seating configurations. Cargo space measured 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 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter, with reduced headroom and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, with a confusing parking brake control and a bulky shifter obstructing controls. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, with customizable layouts and a voice assistant. The Velar also featured a PM2.5 air filter, heated windshield, and advanced navigation and off-road apps.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring trim added navigation, WiFi, and a CabinWatch interior camera. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features, but the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable and user-friendly, with a simplified layout and customizable options. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar's instrument panel offered various display configurations, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's safety was enhanced with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with improvements in headlight performance.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but a European-spec 2017 model scored well in Euro NCAP tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.