2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, offering a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges. However, the red markings on the gauge cluster were difficult to read, except at night.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey maintained a classic minivan design with a touch of style. Its kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines added flair to its otherwise clean flanks. The Touring trim featured dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, enhancing its appearance. Inside, the Odyssey offered a spacious and practical layout with quality leather upholstery and a low console between the front seats. The centre stack, though cluttered, was easy to navigate, and the expansive windshield provided excellent visibility. The Odyssey's design prioritized functionality, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing power to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec trim had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty feel. However, the lack of adaptive dampers and rev-matching in Sport modes were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls and was front-wheel drive. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or hybrid options. It had a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. While not designed for spirited driving, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience. However, its brakes were prone to heating up during downhill driving, affecting performance. Despite this, the Odyssey remained quick and responsive, making it enjoyable for daily use.

The 2021 Acura RDX, though classified as a compact SUV, offered impressive passenger and cargo space. Its front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The A-Spec trim added Alcantara and leather seats with ventilation. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to the need for a flat cargo floor. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, with additional storage compartments. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, and a maximum of 2,260 litres was quoted for comparison purposes.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. Its wide-opening doors and low seating position made entry easy. The Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The Odyssey offered ample storage, including shelving in the front doors and a floor tray. Second-row seats were comfortable, with Magic Slide functionality for easy access to the third row. The third-row seat was spacious, accommodating adults comfortably. The Odyssey provided 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,452 litres with the third row folded. Removing the second-row seats created a massive 3,984 litres of cargo space.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While an improvement over similar systems, it required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi tethering, and a premium audio system. However, the lack of a touchscreen and the complexity of the TTI were drawbacks. Acura offered smartphone integration and voice recognition, but the system was not as intuitive as some competitors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. It included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology for monitoring and communicating with rear passengers. The rear entertainment system featured a 10.2-inch display, but it was considered outdated. The Touring trim added a premium audio system and wireless charging. However, the infotainment system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were noted limitations. The embedded navigation system required specific voice commands, making smartphone integration a more user-friendly option.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on the Touring trim. While Honda Sensing lacked refinement, the Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.