2022 Lexus NX 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 featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, giving it a more upscale look and feel.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a more modern and refined design. The NX 350, available in F Sport and Luxury trims, featured a longer, wider, and taller body, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus with its spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The F Sport trim distinguished itself with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it had sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. Physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the new electronic shifter was easy to acclimate to. Quality levels were generally high, but some controls, like the turn signal, felt inexpensive.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg during testing. However, it lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now had 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, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 had a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and optional AWD. Both models had Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the Luxury trim offered a softer ride. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The turbocharged engine was less refined than German rivals, and the NX had more road and wind noise than expected.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, 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. 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 and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The front seats were comfortable, with better bolstering in the F Sport trim. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats 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, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system had a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch screen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands. The NX also had User Profiles, digital key capability, a digital mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display. However, the 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and it lacked the ability to show multiple data panels simultaneously.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including new radar and LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist. The adaptive cruise control gained low-speed follow capability, and new features included pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey had top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) with new features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.