2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting including puddle lamps, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch wheels. The interior was upgraded with premium detailing and a simulated suede headliner. In 2020, some of these features were standard on the Limited trim, which in 2021 adopted an exterior look similar to the Palisade SEL with the Convenience or Premium packages. Standard LED headlights were a new addition for models that lacked them previously. The Calligraphy trim made the Palisade look more luxurious, drawing attention for its unconventional styling. Inside, the Beige over Navy Blue color scheme, quilted Nappa leather, and suede headliner made the Calligraphy’s cabin feel like a bargain compared to other midsize three-row SUVs.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dramatic hockey-stick character lines. The Elite trim level featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The Odyssey Elite had quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The interior design was open-concept with a low console and plenty of storage space. The Odyssey’s massive windshield and small front quarter windows provided an expansive view, enhancing the minivan’s fishbowl sensation.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport driving modes, with AWD models adding a Snow mode and a Lock function for improved traction. The EPA estimated a Palisade AWD would return 21 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without encouraging aggressive behavior. It was undemanding to drive in urban and suburban environments, with plenty of power and easy-to-judge corners. The Palisade also had a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, with a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. The EPA estimated the Odyssey’s fuel economy at 22 mpg in combined driving, and our test vehicle averaged 22.6 mpg. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, quick when merging onto freeways, and responsive when cornering. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades caused pedal vibration and an audible grumble. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and quick, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily driving.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and accessible interior, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and separate climate controls for third-row passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs provided plenty of legroom and support, and the third-row seat was more accommodating than most in its class. The Palisade had ample in-cabin storage, with a roomy 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 86.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if desired.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey made entry easy with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey’s Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, making it easier to access the third-row seat. 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 onboard vacuum cleaner in the Elite trim made clean-up easier.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen requiring a wired connection. The Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, Blue Link connected services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Other features included wireless smartphone charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, though 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 WiFi hotspot access. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system’s small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and multiple lane-keeping systems. The Limited and Calligraphy trims had an ultrasonic rear occupant alert system, active blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist was a standout feature, providing smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, 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. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with some features responding too sharply or abruptly. The Odyssey earned an overall five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.