2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that had been 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 debuted 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. Certain paint colors required an additional $395. 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. The Odyssey Elite, with its 19-inch wheels and toned-down chrome, aimed to serve as the Acura of minivans.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 had a sleek and modern design, a far cry from the boxy Volvos of the past. It maintained Volvo's family-friendly, safety-oriented image while moving upscale. The XC90, launched as a 2016 model, rode on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The 2022 model had a great stance and profile, with a long and sleek roofline, pronounced wheel arches, and a snub nose reminiscent of the classic 245 wagon. The LED "Thor's Hammer" headlights added a nod to its Swedish heritage. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo offered a leather-free option with a tailored wool blend upholstery, though Nappa leather was available for those who preferred it. The test car had leather seats, which proved beneficial during a week of high temperatures and humidity.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission 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 combined. The test vehicle averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. The brakes, however, did not withstand heavy use well, showing signs of fade during a heatwave.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The T6 added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 was a plug-in hybrid with a combined 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque. T5 models were front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD, while T6 and T8 models were AWD only. All XC90 models used an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 FWD had an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, while the T6 AWD was rated at 22 mpg combined. The T8 had a combined rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant had a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating and a 66 MPGe rating with up to 36 miles of EV range. The XC90 handled well for its size, with minimal body roll and smooth power delivery from the electric motor in the T8 model.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was standard on 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 allowed for various 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 both rows folded. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access the maximum cargo volume.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 came in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 offered 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. It could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior had ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heatwave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims 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 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. The system supported familiar gestures but was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was customizable, and the Advanced package added a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and advanced air cleaner. The standard Harman Kardon sound system could be upgraded to a Bowers & Wilkins system. The XC90 had front and rear USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app for remote vehicle controls.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), as standard on all trims. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 had a comprehensive list of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. The Pilot Assist system combined several features for highway driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.