2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Wagoneer Wagoneer

The 2021 Honda Odyssey exhibited a familiar look that dated back a decade, though minor tweaks were implemented for that model year to keep it fresh. It came with a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trim levels, and a new gloss black spear adorned with a chrome insert that stretched across the taillights. The top three trim levels also boasted new wheel designs. These adjustments aimed to modernize the Odyssey by reducing brightwork, aligning it more closely with contemporary aesthetics. The 2022 Wagoneer, Jeep's largest SUV, followed the design language established by the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. It featured a high-mounted grille, LED headlights, a boxy silhouette, and distinctive trapezoidal wheel arches. However, nostalgia seekers hoping for a retro Wagoneer would be disappointed, as the model lacked wood paneling and instead looked like an enlarged Grand Cherokee. At launch, the Wagoneer came with standard 20-inch wheels, though these appeared small relative to its super-sized dimensions. Higher trims offered 22-inch wheels, but opting for the off-road-focused Advanced All-Terrain Group required sticking to the 20-inch rims. The Wagoneer utilized a new body-on-frame architecture with independent front and rear suspension, shedding a few pounds with components like an aluminum hood and doors, and a composite tailgate. Inside, the Wagoneer featured a high-quality engine start button with knurled detailing and wing-like dashboard elements framing the central touchscreen. While generally stylish, interior materials such as glossy plastics and heavily lacquered wood trim felt less premium, contributing to a disparity between the Wagoneer and the higher-end Grand Wagoneer.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was propelled by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This powertrain remained unchanged from the prior year and included driving modes like Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The engine featured variable cylinder management to enhance fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined, closely aligning with the 21.8 mpg observed during testing. Despite its smooth V6 and ten-speed combination, the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, potentially disadvantaging it in regions prone to snow and ice. Honda introduced an electronic brake booster for 2021, which improved brake pedal feel and supported the adaptive cruise control in stop-and-go traffic. Notably, the Odyssey maintained its reputation as one of the most enjoyable minivans to drive, with responsive steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and adept handling. However, prolonged braking under strenuous conditions revealed some limitations, as evidenced by brake fade during a heatwave test. Conversely, the 2022 Wagoneer harnessed a 5.7-liter V8 mild-hybrid powertrain, similar to Jeep sibling Ram 1500's setup. Producing 392 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque, the eTorque mild-hybrid system enhanced fuel economy but didn’t support electric-only driving. The engine could be switched off while stationary or coasting, with an electric motor aiding initial throttle inputs. Regenerative braking charged the battery pack, providing an additional burst of torque when needed. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Wagoneer had standard rear-wheel drive but offered several 4WD options, including Quadra-Trac I, II, and Quadra-Drive II with differing off-road capabilities. The Quadra-Lift air suspension further enhanced versatility, providing up to 10 inches of ground clearance, reducing aerodynamic drag, and facilitating easier cabin ingress and egress. The suspension also allowed for robust off-road functionality, such as fording 24 inches of water. On-road, the Wagoneer impressed with its quietness and the Hemi V8’s responsiveness, though it exhibited body-on-frame shudder over bumps and notable body roll in corners. While it performed admirably on a prepared off-road course, its large size posed challenges on tighter trails.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey interior was noted for its legible instrumentation, logical controls, and abundant storage. The omission of a stereo tuning knob and occasionally confusing transmission gear buttons were minor quibbles. Most trims featured a comfortable 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with the Elite adding heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Storage solutions were excellent, with spacious front doors and various trays, though the wireless smartphone charger consumed some console space. Honda’s Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for multiple configurations including Wide Mode, Buddy Mode, and Super Mode, providing significant flexibility. However, physically removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. Cargo capacities stood at 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row down, and 144.9 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The 2022 Wagoneer accommodated up to eight passengers with its standard second-row bench, or seven with optional captain’s chairs. Space was maximized in the second and third rows, though the front seat offered relatively less legroom compared to competitors. Rear headroom was ample, but front-row headroom trailed behind. Cargo space was competitive, with 27.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 70.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 116.7 cubic feet with both rear rows down. This was slightly less than the Chevrolet Tahoe but still commendable. In towing, the Wagoneer excelled with a 10,000-pound capacity, outmatching rivals and even some pickups. Storage bins were ample in the first and second rows, and visibility was aided by a digital rearview mirror and large exterior mirrors, albeit these mirrors created some blind spots when maneuvering.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s EX trim upward featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, and text messaging support, among other features. Higher trims added navigation, subscription services, WiFi, and rear-seat entertainment. Elite trim enhanced this setup with a premium sound system and wireless phone charging. However, lacking a tuning knob was a notable inconvenience, and voice recognition was subpar compared to contemporary smartphones. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, yet its non-touchscreen nature disappointed younger users. The 2022 Wagoneer boasted a tech-laden cabin, with standard infotainment including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional upgrades included a McIntosh audio system, additional USB ports, and a second touchscreen for the front passenger. Alexa connectivity and Fire TV for Auto expanded entertainment options, and a 10-inch head-up display was also available. While the Uconnect 5 system was user-friendly, occasional sluggishness and plain graphics detracted slightly from its otherwise intuitive interface.

For 2021, the Honda Odyssey enhanced its safety suite, making Honda Sensing standard across all trims. This system included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward collision warning, with new features like low-speed follow and pedestrian braking. A new radar unit improved functionality, and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist bolstered the Odyssey’sTop Safety Pick credentials. However, blind-spot monitoring required upgrading to EX trim or higher. Despite a few quirks in ADAS operation, the Odyssey maintained strong safety scores, with top ratings from NHTSA save for a four-star rollover resistance score. The 2022 Wagoneer, while new and unrated by IIHS and NHTSA, came equipped with a robust array of standard driver assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Available upgrades included a surround-view camera, digital rearview mirror, and night vision.