2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Audi Q5

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 spacious and comfortable third-row seat, accommodating additional passengers like grandparents or carpoolers with ease. Its cargo space was impressive, rivaling that of larger SUVs when the seats were folded or removed. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels.

In contrast, the 2023 Audi Q5 presented a more refined and sporty appearance. Its exterior styling combined subtle curves with angular accents, and the Sportback version added a sleek, coupelike silhouette. Inside, the Q5 offered a simple yet elegant layout, though its age was beginning to show. Leather seating and heated front seats were standard, with additional options like a heated steering wheel and rear seats. The Q5's build quality was solid, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, though it lacked the special feel it once had due to advancements by non-luxury competitors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked the hybrid or all-wheel-drive options found in competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, the Odyssey delivered a respectable EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, offering quick acceleration and responsive handling, though its brakes could become overworked on long descents.

The 2023 Audi Q5 offered three engine choices. The base 40 TFSI was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower, while the midrange 45 TFSI increased output to 261 hp. The 55 TFSI plug-in hybrid delivered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only range of 23 miles. All Q5s came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The Q5 Sportback with the 45 TFSI engine experienced a delay in power delivery, but once underway, it provided adequate power. The Q5's handling was sporty and precise, offering a balance between compliance and cornering.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and ample storage space. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and safety. The third-row seat was spacious enough 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 2023 Audi Q5's interior design remained largely unchanged since 2018 but continued to offer a functional layout. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned for easy viewing, and traditional controls were provided for climate settings. The Q5 offered good visibility and ample space for passengers, even in the Sportback model. Storage options were available, though some were oddly sized. The Q5 provided 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, slightly less in the Sportback version.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display, but the technology felt outdated compared to competitors. The Odyssey's infotainment system was functional but could benefit from a larger screen and improved voice recognition.

The 2023 Audi Q5 featured a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available wirelessly, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system was standard on higher trims. The Q5 offered remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app, with additional features like a customizable digital instrument panel on mid-range trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though Apple CarPlay's app buttons were smaller and closer together.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or taking abrupt actions.

The 2023 Audi Q5 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side protection, and four stars in rollover tests. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The top Prestige trim offered advanced lighting and parking systems.