2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its long-standing presence in the market. Despite its decade-old body shell, the GX featured the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, which were updated in 2020. The Premium trim level came standard with silver 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch wheels were also available. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a more family-friendly design with its classic minivan proportions. The Odyssey's kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added a touch of style, while the Elite trim featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior boasted quality materials, with leather upholstery starting from the EX-L trim. The open-concept design provided ample storage space, and the center stack's switchgear was conveniently placed. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, making the Odyssey a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD with a low range, and several driver aids. It also had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, utilized a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey offered a fun driving experience with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, the brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling. Despite this, the Odyssey remained enjoyable to drive, with a fuel economy of 22.6 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While outward visibility was excellent, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The interior featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with various compartments and a center console tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility, allowing for easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row increased cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second row offered a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, analog controls were available for most functions, providing a straightforward interface.

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, HondaLink services, and a rear-seat entertainment system. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies were available on Touring and Elite trims, enhancing communication with rear passengers. Despite these features, the Odyssey's infotainment system was considered underwhelming, with a small screen and limited voice command capabilities.

The 2021 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available for the GX.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. While Honda Sensing lacked refinement, the Odyssey earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS.