2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey offered a comfortable third-row seat, making it ideal for family outings or carpools, with ample cargo space that rivaled larger SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to incorporate a sense of style, particularly in the Elite trim, which featured dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels and a sleek design. The interior was spacious and functional, with a low console and plenty of storage, although the placement of controls on the center stack could initially seem haphazard.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban embraced a bold, truck-like design with its tall hood and large wheels, giving it a commanding presence on the road. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and sporty black accents. Inside, the Suburban offered a range of comfort levels, from the basic LS trim to the luxurious High Country, with leather seats becoming standard from the LT trim onwards. The RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching, adding a touch of sportiness to the cabin. However, the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark, despite the spaciousness and thoughtful storage solutions like the optional power-sliding center console.

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. It was a front-wheel-drive vehicle, lacking the all-wheel-drive or hybrid options found in some competitors. The Odyssey's EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg in combined driving, and during a test drive in Southern California, it averaged 22.6 mpg. While the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, its brakes tended to heat up on downhill grades, leading to pedal vibration and noise. This issue was more pronounced when the vehicle was fully loaded, although the brakes did not fade.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.2-liter V8, available on the RST trim, provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds, and during a tow test, it handled the additional weight with ease. The independent rear suspension, introduced in the 2021 redesign, improved ride quality and increased interior space. The Suburban offered both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options, with the latter featuring a two-speed transfer case for off-road capability.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with its wide-opening doors and low ride height. Inside, the Elite trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey excelled in storage space, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and convenience. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the Odyssey offered 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it. Folding the third-row seat increased cargo capacity to 88.8 cubic feet, and removing the second-row seats expanded it to 144.9 cubic feet.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban boasted impressive interior space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a comfortable third row that provided ample headroom and legroom. The Suburban's cargo area was one of the largest among SUVs, with 41.5 cubic feet behind the third row and 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats could slide forward or backward, and both rows folded flat with ease. The optional power-sliding center console added storage flexibility, although the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, although its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies were available on Touring and Elite trims, allowing the driver to monitor and communicate with rear passengers. The rear-seat entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad, but the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were drawbacks.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a comprehensive suite of technology features, with a focus on keeping up with modern demands. The LT trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while the LT and above received a 10.2-inch system with satellite radio. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot. The Suburban's audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround system on higher trims. The Suburban's technology package was well-rounded, offering a variety of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system were standard, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured Chevy Safety Assist, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and more. For 2022, additional features like front park assist and lane-keeping assistance became standard. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.