2021 Lexus RX vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic that was emblematic of the brand's styling. It featured a large grille, angular headlamps, and a shapely body with a floating roof. Inside, the RX offered sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, although the center console design was considered bland and somewhat dated. The RX was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each catering to different preferences, from performance-focused to extended body options with a third row of seating. The exterior boasted standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and LED lighting, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior was well-appointed, offering a range of features from standard NuLuxe-trimmed seats to available semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was designed with family convenience in mind, offering a sense of style that, while not as striking as some competitors, was still appealing. The Odyssey's design included kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines, with the Elite trim featuring dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior was spacious and functional, with quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for families, allowing for easy access to the third row or better protection for children in side-impact collisions. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models offered 308 horsepower with a combination of a V6 engine and three electric motors, managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The RX's fuel efficiency varied, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 23 mpg combined, while the RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's handling was improved with tuning adjustments, providing a dynamic driving experience, especially with the F Sport Handling package that added adaptive suspension and sport seats. The RX could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

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 a hybrid powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration, but its brakes were prone to overheating during extended downhill driving. The Odyssey's driving character was engaging, making it a pleasant vehicle for daily use, though it lacked the sporty edge of some SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX was a functional SUV with seating for five in the two-row models and up to seven in the three-row RXL versions. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was tight. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded in the two-row models. The three-row RXL offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and functionality, with wide-opening doors and a low step-in height. The Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and an onboard vacuum cleaner. Storage was abundant, with numerous compartments and a versatile center console. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed, rivaling larger SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with standard technology features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The infotainment system was functional but not the most user-friendly, with a touchpad controller that took up console space. The RX lacked wireless smartphone integration, which was a drawback for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. Touring and Elite trims added CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, along with a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command functionality. The Odyssey's technology package needed an upgrade to compete with more modern systems in rival vehicles.

The 2021 Lexus RX received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and four out of five stars from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, it lacked the advanced hands-off driving technology found in some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a rear-seat reminder system and optional blind-spot monitoring. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. While Honda Sensing was comprehensive, it lacked refinement, sometimes responding too sharply to driving conditions.