2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a status symbol with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of standard and premium features. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean lines. Inside, it exuded luxury with an Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system lagged behind newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was a practical choice for families, offering convenience and comfort. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children, and the spacious third-row seat accommodated additional passengers comfortably. The Odyssey's design, while adhering to traditional minivan aesthetics, incorporated stylish elements like kinked sliding doors and dark gray aluminum wheels. The Elite trim, priced at $49,995, featured leather upholstery and a range of quality materials. The interior was designed for functionality, with ample storage space and a user-friendly layout. The Odyssey's expansive windshield and small quarter windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a turbodiesel V6, a supercharged V8, and hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It came with a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road capability. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by 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, it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While not designed for spirited driving, the Odyssey offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive handling. However, repeated brake use on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and noise, indicating a need for more robust brakes.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal luggage capacity. The cargo area offered 25 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The second-row seats offered flexibility with the Magic Slide system, allowing for various configurations. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo area provided 32.8 cubic feet of space, expandable to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded. Removing the second-row seats increased cargo capacity to 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology included a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup to avoid distractions while driving. The SUV featured a head-up display, but it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The waterproof Activity Key wristband and iGuide smartphone app were notable features.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk technologies. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, was outdated compared to competitors. The Elite trim added a premium audio system and wireless charging pad. The infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks, and the navigation system required specific voice commands.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.