2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Lexus RX

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. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the 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, making the Odyssey Elite closer to serving as the Acura of minivans.

The 2022 Lexus RX continued its modern and sporty design, having received a revised grille and other exterior updates for its 2020 model-year facelift. Available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels for its gas powertrain, and a hybrid model with the RX 450h distinction, the RX offered the most aggressive styling among its key competitors. The character lines were razor sharp, and angular features reminiscent of a boomerang were present throughout the exterior. The F Sport trim, the performance-oriented option, featured 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, dark window trimming, F Sport badging, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The interior of the RX maintained a luxury appeal, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like model-specific badging, Scored Aluminum trim, and NuLuxe synthetic leather. Despite its high-fashion exterior and interior, the RX's center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less than comfortable.

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, the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control now included stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes did not withstand heavy use well, suffering from fade during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX came with AWD only. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX lacked sporty performance, with a hum rather than a growl from the engine and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, a sound generator, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, but the driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+) did not significantly change the driving experience. The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches well and providing a serene ride. The RX 350 had an EPA rating of 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard in 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 folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all rear seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in the two-row version, comfortably fitting four adults. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet behind the third row. The standard RX offered 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net. However, the rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper design.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. HondaLink subscription plans offered additional features like automatic collision notification, remote engine start, and a personal assistant. 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 built-in streaming apps.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available. The touchscreens were moved closer to the driver but still had ergonomic issues. The touchpad controller was frustrating to use, and the drive mode selector was often mistaken for an infotainment control knob. Despite these issues, the RX offered quality tech features like six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, premium audio systems, and heated and ventilated seats. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) was standard on all trims, with new features like low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were accurate but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Lexus RX's Lexus Safety System 2.0+ included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.