2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's modern appeal by reducing brightwork. The interior was upgraded with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, giving it a more upscale feel. The Odyssey's seating material and design improvements, along with new tri-colour floor mats, added to its refined look.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more about blending in with the crowd of compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to many competitors, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chromed plastic elements. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were shades of grey, black, or white, with only a few options like Obsidian Blue Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic standing out. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and optional wood panels and chrome for a more upscale appearance. However, it faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered smooth acceleration and predictable handling, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. While not the most engaging driving experience, the CR-V's performance was on par with its competitors. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent ride quality, though it lacked the sporty feel of some rivals with conventional automatic transmissions.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility, with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered various configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering more than 100 litres of interior volume over the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Access to the cargo area varied by trim, with options for manual, power, and hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim offered an 11-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin. The Touring and Black Edition trims included a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Honda Sensing was standard across all trims, offering features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.