2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite a 2019 refresh and the introduction of a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in seven trims, ranging from the base LX to the upscale Black Edition, with prices between $32,250 and $49,920. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000 on most trims. The new Special Edition trim added features like black 20-inch alloy wheels and wireless smartphone charging.

The Black Edition we tested came fully loaded, with a $395 Platinum White Pearl paint job bringing the total to $51,435. It featured exclusive black leather upholstery with red accents and ambient lighting. However, the black floor mats were a hassle to clean, especially with pets. The interior boasted quality materials, but the flat dashboard and minivan-like front seat design detracted from its appeal.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was recommended for families due to its practical sliding side doors, comfortable third-row seating, and ample cargo space. Despite the minivan stigma, the Odyssey offered a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch wheels. Prices ranged from $33,040 to $48,770. The Elite trim we tested had no options, totaling $49,995.

The Odyssey's interior featured quality leather, supportive seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing convenience and safety. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, the seats were heavy and challenging to reinstall.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. The Pilot offered a smooth and refined driving experience, with a comfortable ride and athletic handling. Fuel-saving measures included variable-cylinder management and automatic engine stop/start, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. Our test vehicle averaged 21.5 mpg.

The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the torque-vectoring AWD system enhanced handling. The steering was well-weighted and responsive, and the brakes were properly calibrated, though they could heat up and vibrate with prolonged use. Off-road capability was limited by the Pilot's 7.3 inches of ground clearance and all-season tires.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also had a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. The EPA estimated 22 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 22.6 mpg.

The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, the brakes could heat up and vibrate with repeated use, especially when descending hills. Despite this, the Odyssey maintained composure and was quick when merging onto freeways and responsive on mountain roads.

The 2021 Honda Pilot offered seating for up to eight people, with comfortable and supportive front seats. The driver's seat had 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger's seat had four-way adjustment. Second-row captain's chairs were optional on the Touring trim and standard on Elite and Black Edition models. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to a low and flat bottom cushion.

Storage was abundant, with compartments in the door panels, center console, and front seatback pockets. The Pilot had 16.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 83.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. Higher trims included a power tailgate with hands-free operation.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured wide-opening doors and a lower ride height for easy entry. The Elite trim had quality leather, supportive seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing convenience and safety. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with good leg support and foot room.

The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. The seats were heavy and challenging to reinstall, but the cargo space was impressive, comparable to a Chevrolet Suburban.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Special Edition added wireless phone charging, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, a WiFi hotspot, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The rear-seat entertainment system in the Touring trim featured a 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI port, and a Cabin Talk feature.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, but its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey had an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features were standard on Touring and Elite trims, along with a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, HDMI inputs, and a USB port. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Starting with the EX trim, the Pilot also had a blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning system. The Pilot received favorable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "acceptable" score for front passenger small overlap frontal-impact protection.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. The Odyssey received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.