2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Ford Bronco

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, and the comfortable third-row seating ensured that additional passengers, like grandparents, could join without hassle. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering the same capacity as a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded down and the second-row seats were 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 and kinked sliding doors that added character to its design.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, and the various trims, from the basic Base to the top-tier Raptor, offered a range of aesthetics and capabilities. The Bronco's interior was rugged, with sealed switches and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The Heritage trim added a nostalgic touch with its throwback design elements, while the Bronco's functional features, like cleats above the headlights and replaceable handholds, enhanced its off-road utility. Though not as refined as typical SUVs, the Bronco's interior was designed for durability and practicality.

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 available in some competitors. The Odyssey's EPA fuel economy was estimated at 22 mpg in combined driving, which was lower than the hybrid Toyota Sienna and plug-in hybrid Chrysler Pacifica. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, its brakes tended to heat up and produce pedal vibration during extended downhill driving, which was a concern when carrying a full load of passengers.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 produced 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, making them capable off-roaders. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV, but it tracked straight on highways and was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler. While its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, the Bronco felt more confident than expected, especially with its advanced camera systems aiding maneuverability.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a center console 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 provided 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both the two-door and four-door models. The four-door version offered easier access to the rear seats and more cargo space, with up to 77.6 cubic feet available. The Bronco's interior featured practical storage solutions, like netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for phones. While the rear seats didn't fold flat, the Bronco's roof mounting points allowed for overlanding setups. Off-road enthusiasts appreciated the easily removable fenders and doors, enhancing the Bronco's versatility.

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

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized settings for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. Advanced camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature further aided off-road navigation. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for improved usability. The SYNC 4 system and available wireless charging pad added to the Bronco's tech offerings, making it a well-rounded choice for tech-savvy adventurers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was well-equipped with safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or responding abruptly. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its strong crash protection.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. While the Bronco's safety features functioned well, it lagged behind more conventional SUVs in terms of standard equipment.