2020 Acura RDX vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Acura RDX retained its striking design from the previous year, with minimal changes that were well-received. The vehicle featured a bold grille and sleek headlights, moving away from the outdated "beak" grille of earlier models. The large logo on the grille, though oversized, complemented the overall design. The RDX's exterior was characterized by a swooping upper character line and a dynamic spoiler-like appearance. Inside, the RDX boasted a sharp and precise design, highlighted by red leather upholstery that contrasted with the black interior, creating a visually appealing cabin. The RDX came well-equipped with features like synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, among others.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights, gave the Odyssey a refreshed look. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The interior featured perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, contributing to an upscale feel. The Odyssey's cabin was designed for practicality, with logical controls and ample storage space. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the cargo space was generous, though removing the second-row seats for maximum capacity was cumbersome.

The 2020 Acura RDX was powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided impressive acceleration and a satisfying engine note. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and the Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system, which enhanced both performance and fuel efficiency. The RDX offered various drive modes, including Comfort, Snow, Sport, and Sport-Plus, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. Despite its sporty nature, the RDX maintained good fuel efficiency, with an observed consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. The vehicle excelled in handling, offering a comfortable yet dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 280 horsepower. The drivetrain provided smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average consumption of 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels and improved brake modulation contributed to its handling prowess, though the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2020 Acura RDX offered a spacious cabin with comfortable and supportive front seats, providing ample head- and legroom. The second row also offered good headroom and decent legroom. The RDX featured practical storage solutions, including large water bottle holders and a pass-through cargo tray. The cargo space was generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2,260 litres with the seats folded down. The load floor was easily accessible, and a hidden cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, as expected of a minivan. The cabin featured logical controls and ample storage options, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was abundant, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo capacity was cumbersome.

The 2020 Acura RDX's infotainment system was a letdown, with a touchpad interface that was less intuitive than competitors. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchpad negated their simplicity. The Tech grade added navigation and a premium audio system, while the A-Spec featured an impressive ELS Studio 3D sound system. The Platinum Elite A-Spec added a head-up display.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other connectivity options. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation and a CabinWatch interior camera. The Touring trim also included a premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, while functional, lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2020 Acura RDX came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, a rear-view camera, and driver-assistance systems like lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. The Tech grade added parking sensors, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera. The RDX received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, 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 was expected to maintain its top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.