Honda Odyssey vs Lexus NX Hybrid

Honda hasn’t redesigned the Odyssey since 2018, but this minivan does get a few updates that will appeal to the Odyssey faithful. They include subtle styling changes, a new 7-inch digital driver display, an updated 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, modernized USB-C charging ports, and a smartphone charging pad. A new Amazon Fire TV rear-seat entertainment system also arrives for 2025. While appreciated, these improvements don’t rescue the Odyssey from its increasingly uncompetitive position.

Verdict: The 2025 Odyssey doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The updated tech merely meets minimum standards and expectations. And in a new crash-test evaluation, Honda’s minivan earns a rare low rating. Certainly, the Odyssey remains comfortable, exceptionally practical, and enjoyable to drive. But it needs a redesign, and soon.

The 2021 Lexus NX compact SUV is showing its age. It’s not an inherently bad vehicle, but with a design that dates back to the 2015 model year, it’s struggling to keep pace with fresher competition—including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60—and can’t justify its positioning as a premium product.

Lexus offers the gasoline-only NX 300 and the NX 300h hybrid, but we’ll focus on the latter for this review. The big news for the 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a new F Sport Black Line special edition, which adds sportier F Sport styling features that normally aren’t available on the hybrid. It also comes with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Other changes include additional standard driver aids and "low-profile" windshield wipers.

We tested the Black Line for this review, but with production limited to 1,000 units, it will likely be sold out by the time you read this. However, it’s mechanically similar to the regular-production NX 300h hybrid trim levels—base and Luxury.