2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Acura MDX presented itself as a stylish yet understated crossover SUV. Its design was not groundbreaking, but it was certainly not lacking in appeal. The MDX's Jewel Eye LED headlights added a touch of sophistication to its front, complementing the trapezoidal grille and large Acura logo. The SUV's sleek, low-slung profile, combined with flawless paint and chrome, contributed to its modern and simple interior. The centre stack, featuring twin infotainment screens and a high-quality material selection, provided a solid and well-built feel, making the MDX a comfortable and reliable choice for drivers seeking a luxury SUV experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, adding to the minivan's refined look. Inside, the Odyssey offered perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and improved seating materials, creating an upscale atmosphere. The Odyssey's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and seating configurations that catered to families, making it a versatile and attractive option for those seeking a minivan with a touch of luxury.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, and the MDX Sport Hybrid, which combined a 3.0-litre V6 engine with three electric motors for a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline-only model, equipped with Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), delivered impressive straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to its torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, making it a reliable choice for long drives.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered 280 horsepower to the front wheels. While lacking all-wheel drive, the Odyssey's drivetrain offered smooth and effortless power, aided by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for improvement. Despite this, the Odyssey remained a pleasurable vehicle to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and enhanced brake modulation.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided a practical and stylish alternative to minivans, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. It offered 447 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 1,229 litres with the seats folded flat, and a maximum of 2,574 litres with the second row down. The MDX featured ample storage options, including a flexible centre console and tri-zone climate control, making it a family-friendly SUV with luxury touches.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility, with its Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowing various seating configurations. The Odyssey offered 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second row removed. While removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, the Odyssey's storage solutions and comfortable seating made it a practical choice for families needing ample space and flexibility.

The 2020 Acura MDX came equipped with a range of technology features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD/MP3 player. The Technology Package added navigation, premium audio, and parking sensors, while the A-Spec and Technology Plus packages offered additional upgrades. The Elite Package included an Active Damper System and a rear entertainment screen, enhancing the MDX's tech offerings.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation and a CabinWatch interior camera. The Touring trim also included a premium audio system, wireless charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, lacked a touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2020 Acura MDX was equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX's ACE Body Structure contributed to its high safety ratings, with the IIHS rating it "good" in all crash-test categories and the NHTSA awarding it a five-star overall safety rating.

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's ADAS worked accurately, though not always smoothly. The Odyssey maintained its impressive safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding it top five-star ratings in most categories.