2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2020 Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender evoked nostalgia with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the beloved LR4. Its squared-off edges, rising roofline, and round headlights were a nod to traditional Land Rover aesthetics, contrasting sharply with the smoother contours of the current Discovery. The Defender's rugged exterior, complete with skid plates and short overhangs, was designed for off-road adventures. Despite some modern touches like plastic step plates and a three-piece ladder, the Defender retained its utilitarian charm. Inside, the Defender's interior was basic and industrial, with exposed screws and a slab-sided cabin. While it offered options like leather and a centre jump seat, the overall feel was more akin to a commercial vehicle than a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Odyssey maintained a familiar look with subtle updates for the new model year. The refreshed grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights modernized its appearance, while a new 19-inch wheel design added a touch of sophistication. The Odyssey's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting in the Touring trim. The minivan's seating material and design improvements, along with tri-colour floor mats, enhanced its upscale feel. The Odyssey's exterior updates and interior refinements brought it closer to being the "Acura of minivans," offering a more luxurious experience for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender offered a choice between a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine with 296 horsepower and a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The latter was a mild hybrid, featuring an electric motor-powered turbocharger to eliminate lag and provide consistent power. The Defender's off-road prowess was unmatched, with features like Terrain Response 2 and adjustable-height suspension. It could tackle steep inclines and deep water with ease, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. However, its on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, generous suspension lean, and brakes requiring a deep stomp.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave, leading to rumbling and fade. The lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions, but its electronic brake booster and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability enhanced its safety and convenience.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender prioritized durability and functionality, with a minimalist interior designed for tough conditions. The Defender 90, a two-door model, offered an optional jump seat, allowing it to seat six people. The four-door 110 model could accommodate up to seven passengers with an optional third row. Cargo space varied depending on the configuration, with the two-door 90 offering 297 litres and the four-door 110 providing up to 1,875 litres with seats folded. The Defender's towing capacity was impressive at 3,719 kilograms, and its rugged design was tested by driving into a curb at 40 km/h repeatedly.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and Magic Slide second-row seats for versatile configurations. The Odyssey's 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. The Odyssey's interior was designed for comfort, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats in higher trims. The minivan's practicality and spaciousness made it an ideal choice for families.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender featured the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, a significant improvement over previous JLR systems. It included two SIM cards for streaming data and over-the-air updates. The system's interface was more user-friendly, though some issues remained, such as small map icons. The Defender's off-road capabilities were enhanced by cameras showing the ground beneath the front hood and a rearview mirror doubling as a screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system, with additional options like a 14-speaker Meridian sound system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering 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 featured an 11-speaker premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it wasn't a touchscreen, which disappointed some users.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. crash testing agencies, and it lacked knee and rear side airbags. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree cameras. The Defender's safety equipment was adequate but not as comprehensive as some competitors.

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 structural integrity and safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were expected to carry over from the previous model year, with top ratings in most categories. The Odyssey's advanced safety features and impressive crash test ratings made it a safe choice for families.