2021 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe defied expectations with its pricing. Typically, new vehicles seemed overpriced, but the Santa Fe made you question why it didn't cost more. This five-passenger midsize SUV offered a choice between two new gasoline engines and a new gas-electric hybrid powertrain. Trim levels for gas models included SE, SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, while hybrids came in Blue, SEL Premium, and Limited trims. Pricing ranged from $26,850 to $39,950 MSRP, with AWD costing an additional $1,700 for gas models but standard for hybrids. The Santa Fe's exterior featured a redesigned front end with new running lights, grille, and bumper, while the interior boasted new colors, patterns, and textures, elevating its market position.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey lineup included LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770, excluding the destination charge. The Elite trim featured 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 between the front seats and ample storage space. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats and comfortable third-row seats made it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered three new powertrains. The SE and SEL trims came with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Santa Fe Hybrids featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a starter/generator, an electric drive motor, and a six-speed automatic transmission, producing a total system output of 226 hp. The higher-level Limited and Calligraphy trims had a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet-plate dual-clutch transmission. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the turbocharged engine providing a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Santa Fe averaged 22.4 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain. The Odyssey's EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill drives caused pedal vibration and an audible grumble. Despite this, the Odyssey was quick when merging onto freeways, responsive around corners, and composed on mountain roads, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe provided ample passenger room without a third-row seat. All trims included dual-zone automatic climate control with Clean Air ionization, and higher trims featured leather upholstery. The Calligraphy trim offered premium Nappa leather and a suede-like headliner. The Santa Fe was comfortable, with power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. The rear seat was spacious, with air-conditioning vents, quick-charge USB ports, and rear side-window sunshades. The Santa Fe offered 36.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

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 storage space was impressive, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row seats were comfortable, with plenty of legroom and the option to remove the center section. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy was loaded with technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and an 8.5-inch color head-up display. The basic 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10.25-inch touchscreen offered wired versions, upgraded voice-recognition technology, and enhanced Blue Link connected services. The Santa Fe also featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system. Blue Link provided a range of connected services, including remote engine start and climate control adjustments. The Santa Fe also offered Digital Key and Remote Smart Parking Assist technology.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, 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 Odyssey's infotainment system was increasingly outclassed by rivals, with a small touchscreen and a lack of modern features. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands and was less user-friendly than smartphone-based navigation.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe offered an impressive list of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning assistance, Safe Exit Assist, and a rear-occupant alert system. The Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS when equipped with LED projector headlights.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey 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 featured 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 a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.