2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a design that was more refined and athletic compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and bold presence. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite its high price tag, the interior materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new grille, front bumper, and LED headlights added a fresh touch, while the 19-inch wheels on the Touring trim enhanced its overall look. Inside, the Odyssey offered a more upscale feel with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting. The interior improvements extended to seating materials and design, making the Odyssey's cabin more luxurious and comfortable. The Odyssey's design updates and interior enhancements brought it closer to being the "Acura of minivans."

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided a balanced and dynamic driving experience. The ST trim featured a 3.0-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed for smooth and addictive power delivery, with the Explorer ST excelling in handling and cornering. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-litre turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. However, the hybrid's fuel efficiency did not justify its higher cost. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 capable of towing up to 2,540 kilograms.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Odyssey's drivetrain provided smooth and effortless power, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. The brakes, however, struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom for passengers. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated adults for short trips, though the bench was flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was slightly reduced behind the third row but remained one of the largest in its class. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches, though visibility was hindered by thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a comfortable 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third row provided ample space for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and a maximum of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome. The Odyssey's controls were logical, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked customization options and felt unfinished. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system was not as refined as competitors' systems, needing software updates for improvement.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim 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 was not touchscreen, which disappointed younger passengers.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

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 was expected to maintain its impressive IIHS ratings and received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star score in rollover resistance.