2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its design. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a modern touch. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim further enhanced its appeal. These changes aimed to reduce the brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary look. Inside, the Odyssey offered a luxurious feel with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, especially in the Touring trim, making it a more upscale minivan option.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 boasted a sportier and more dynamic design, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. Its lower and wider stance, combined with a highback tail and lip spoiler, gave it a sleek and aggressive look. The EV6's voluptuous curves and squinting headlights added to its stylish and stable appearance. The interior featured dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and a mix of suede and leather seats, creating a futuristic and tech-savvy environment. The EV6's design was not just about aesthetics; it also offered practical features like a hidden rear charge port and flush door handles, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with 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 such as Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel, but the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave.

The 2022 Kia EV6, particularly in the GT-Line e-AWD variant, offered impressive performance with its dual electric motors producing 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a top-power GT trim promising even more power. The EV6's torque delivery was seamless, providing a thrilling driving experience in various conditions. Its regenerative braking system offered multiple settings, allowing for one-pedal driving in the maximum I-Pedal setting. However, the EV6's driving range was disappointing in cold weather, achieving only 65 percent of Kia's estimated range. Charging times were also longer than expected, highlighting the challenges of driving an electric vehicle in colder climates.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, and heated front seats and mirrors were standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided flexibility, allowing for various seating configurations. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, detracting from its overall convenience.

The 2022 Kia EV6 provided ample legroom and headroom, thanks to its low floor design. The rear seats reclined and offered optional heated cushions, creating a comfortable and airy cabin. However, the cargo space was limited, with only 690 litres available behind the seats and 1,322 litres when folded. The high load floor and low roof height further restricted cargo capacity. The EV6's towing capacity was rated at 1,043 kilograms, and it featured an onboard power generator for added versatility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connectivity options. The Touring trim added a navigation system, CabinWatch interior camera, and an 11-speaker premium audio system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and several streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed younger passengers.

The 2022 Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick and easy adjustments. While it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a 360-degree surround-view camera and a head-up display with augmented reality. The highest trim featured a 14-speaker Meridian stereo and a remote parking assist system. The EV6's technology was impressive without being overwhelming, providing a seamless and enjoyable user experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It included features like low-speed follow capability, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Kia EV6 lacked published safety test results but offered a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard equipment included forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing overall safety.