2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup, leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior was a mix of high and low-quality materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery clashing with cheaper plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a decade-old styling theme but received updates for the new model year. These included a new grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The Odyssey's interior was enhanced with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and improved seating materials, giving it a more luxurious feel. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch alloy wheels and a toned-down chrome exterior, bringing the Odyssey closer to being the Acura of minivans.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This powertrain provided a well-matched driving experience, with the CR-V feeling quick, especially in Sport mode. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's implementation was smooth, mimicking a conventional automatic transmission. The CR-V's car-like handling, low curb weight, and excellent road manners contributed to its nimble performance. Fuel efficiency was impressive, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1, making it one of the most efficient in its class.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivered smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. The Odyssey's variable cylinder management technology helped conserve fuel, achieving a combined rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. However, the lack of AWD put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes struggled under heavy use. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-managed body motions and perfectly weighted steering.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and storage solutions. Its cabin was as roomy as the Volkswagen Tiguan, with excellent head- and legroom. The CR-V's clever packaging included a deep centre console and a two-position load floor in the rear, offering up to 1,110 litres of cargo space. The door pockets were spacious, and the overall design made it easy to accommodate various items, enhancing the vehicle's practicality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with up to 3,984 litres available when the second-row seats were removed. However, removing and reinstalling these seats was cumbersome. The Odyssey's storage solutions were excellent, with shelves in the front doors and a wireless smartphone charger on the centre console.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the integration felt tacked on. The CR-V Touring and Black Editions included a wireless phone charger and navigation system, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking compared to competitors.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk PA system. The rear-seat entertainment system, available on higher trims, included a 10.2-inch screen and several streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with LED headlights on higher trims improving nighttime visibility.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey also featured the Honda Sensing suite, now with expanded capabilities like low-speed follow and pedestrian braking. The Odyssey's adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were effective but not always smooth. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and was expected to maintain its IIHS ratings, with improvements in headlight performance.