2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was often recommended for growing families due to its practical design. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load toddlers into rear-facing seats, and the third-row seat was comfortable enough for adults, making it ideal for carpools and family visits. The Odyssey also offered substantial cargo space, rivaling that of a Chevrolet Suburban when the seats were folded or removed. Despite its practical advantages, the minivan's image deterred some buyers, although the 2022 model did have a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure in styling from its predecessors. It featured a more assertive, truck-like design, with a longer and wider body that gave it a muscular stance. The new CR-V retained its classic D-pillar taillights but updated them for a more modern look. The Sport Touring trim we reviewed came with black roof rails, mirrors, and wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. The interior followed the premium design direction seen in other recent Honda models, with high-quality materials and attractive contrast stitching.

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 front-wheel drive only, with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During our test drive in Southern California, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg. While it was quick and responsive, especially on freeways and mountain roads, the brakes tended to overheat and produce pedal vibration during extended downhill driving.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid setup provided a more responsive driving experience, especially for highway merging. The CR-V Hybrid also introduced a new "B" shifter position for increased regenerative braking and a more efficient driving experience. The front-wheel-drive version achieved 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than the Odyssey.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Elite trim featured quality leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and an onboard vacuum cleaner. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, translating to more interior volume. It offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, and the reclining rear seats provided additional comfort. The CR-V Hybrid also featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. The interior included a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, with a traditional console design offering best-in-class storage.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims added CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems, a rear-seat entertainment system, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the infotainment system felt outdated, with a small screen and a lack of intuitive controls.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen. Both Hybrid models included multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Sport Touring trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system. The smart navigation system optimized fuel efficiency based on the route.

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

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid also featured the Honda Sensing suite, with improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also had a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, and parking sensors. It maintained its Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five-star rating from the NHTSA.