2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic status with a design that had remained largely unchanged over the years. Enthusiasts could easily identify its notched grille, inset headlights, and scalloped air extractors behind the front fenders. To the casual observer, the Wrangler was characterized by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, exposed bolts and hinges, and protruding bumpers and fenders, giving it the appearance of a toy truck for adults. The Wrangler's various trims allowed for different looks, with options for painted or exposed fenders, soft tops or hardtops, and other styling touches, but its core elements ensured it was unmistakable on the road. Inside, the Wrangler was not built for comfort, with an upright seating position, limited legroom, and seats adjusted by awkward ripcords, which some drivers found charming rather than inconvenient.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was often recommended for families due to its practicality and comfort. Its sliding side doors made loading children into car seats a breeze, and the third-row seat offered genuine comfort for adults, unlike many SUVs. The Odyssey's design adhered to the classic minivan style, with kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines adding a touch of flair. The Elite trim featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, adding to its appeal. The Odyssey's interior was spacious and well-appointed, with leather upholstery starting from the EX-L trim and a low console between the front seats providing ample storage. The Odyssey's expansive windshield and small front quarter windows offered excellent visibility, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including gas, diesel, mild-hybrid, and the powerful Hemi V8. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.6-liter V6, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant of the V6, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, such as Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catered to various off-roading needs, with the Rubicon trim featuring front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine, delivered 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse with enhanced suspension and braking capabilities.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 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, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While not designed for spirited driving, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during extended downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling. Despite this, the Odyssey remained enjoyable to drive, offering a balance of comfort and performance for family transportation.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets, along with drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Wrangler Unlimited provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit larger items.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a center console tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, while the third-row seat provided comfort for adults. The Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's technology offerings varied by trim, with the Sport featuring a basic 5-inch screen. The 7-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was optional on the Sport S and standard on higher trims, with an 8.4-inch screen available. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with navigation and HondaLink connected services available on the Touring trim. The Odyssey also featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality, highlighting the need for a future upgrade.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available, and the base configuration was basic in terms of safety features. The Wrangler did include a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.

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. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though some safety features lacked refinement and could respond too sharply to driving situations.