2023 Land Rover Defender 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, and the spacious third-row seat provided comfort for additional passengers. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering the same volume as a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded and the second-row seats were removed. Despite its utilitarian nature, the Odyssey managed to maintain a sense of style, particularly in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The interior was designed with quality materials and a user-friendly layout, although the center stack's switchgear placement initially seemed haphazard. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced visibility, making the Odyssey a practical choice for those who valued function over image.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a vehicle that combined rugged off-road capability with a distinctive design. Its boxy shape and industrial design elements, such as the square-jawed face and rectangular hood, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The Defender offered a variety of body styles and accessory packages, allowing for customization to suit different needs. Inside, the Defender prioritized function and durability, with materials like rubber and plastic designed to resist moisture and stains. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Defender maintained a unique character, standing out from the more luxurious Range Rover models. While the Defender's price was high, its off-road prowess and distinctive design appealed to those seeking adventure and individuality.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a front-wheel-drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. While it lacked the all-wheel drive and hybrid options available in competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey offered a respectable EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 22.6 mpg on a varied driving route in Southern California. The minivan was praised for its enjoyable driving character, with quick acceleration and responsive handling. However, its brakes were noted to heat up and produce pedal vibration during extended downhill driving, a concern when carrying a full load of passengers.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with features like permanent four-wheel drive and the Terrain Response 2 system that adapted the vehicle's powertrain and chassis to different surfaces. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided impressive power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission was smooth and responsive. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The V8 model's fuel economy was poor, rated at 14/19/16 mpg, while the mild-hybrid inline-six offered better efficiency at 18/23/20 mpg.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and versatile interior, with easy access through wide-opening doors and a low ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, as well as a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults. 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 Odyssey's interior was designed with numerous storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with options for two-door and four-door models that could accommodate up to eight passengers. The Defender 90 featured a jump seat for three across in the front, while the 130 model had a standard third row with additional amenities like a separate moonroof and climate zone. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Defender's interior featured large glass areas for excellent visibility and a range of available features, including a console refrigerator and a pressurized water rinse system. The Defender's versatility and off-road capabilities made it a unique choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system was considered outdated compared to rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services. The Odyssey's CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems allowed the driver to monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers. However, the rear-seat entertainment system was basic, with a single 10.2-inch screen and limited media options. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad, but the overall infotainment experience was underwhelming.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender featured two touchscreen infotainment systems running the Pivi Pro software, which was reliable and user-friendly. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender's technology package included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display. The Defender's technology offerings were comprehensive and modern, enhancing its appeal as a versatile SUV.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was well-equipped with safety features, including the Honda Sensing suite, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Odyssey also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. However, the Honda Sensing system was noted for its lack of 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, highlighting its strong safety performance.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, but it received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP for its solid structure. The Defender was equipped with six airbags, which was considered low for a vehicle of its class. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered advanced options like a 360-degree camera system and automatic trailer steering. While the Defender's safety features were comprehensive, the lack of U.S. ratings and limited airbag coverage were noted concerns.