2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, with its decade-old styling theme, received subtle updates to modernize its appearance. The new model year introduced a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's aesthetic appeal. These minor modifications aimed to reduce brightwork and give the Odyssey a more contemporary look. The interior saw improvements with new perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, elevating the Odyssey Touring to a more luxurious level, akin to the Acura of minivans.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, boasted a sporty yet understated design. The styling changes were subtle, avoiding excessive blacked-out trim or traditional performance cues, while still conveying a sense of sportiness. The RDX A-Spec did not attempt to mimic an off-road vehicle, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. Positioned in the middle of the trim hierarchy, the RDX A-Spec offered a balance of style and performance, with exclusive Shark Gray 20-inch alloy wheels and a sporty interior featuring Alcantara and leather seats, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting. The RDX's design was both functional and visually appealing, making it a standout in the compact SUV segment.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This drivetrain, unchanged from the previous year, provided smooth and effortless power, enhanced by variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a tested average of 10.8 L/100 km. While the Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, a new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, contributing to a pleasurable driving experience. However, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the torque-vectoring SH-AWD system, the RDX offered impressive handling and driving dynamics. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec trim's exclusive 20-inch wheels and performance tires enhanced handling, though the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. Despite these minor drawbacks, the RDX A-Spec was rewarding to drive, with precise steering, fade-resistant brakes, and a broad torque curve.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and functional interior, with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, while heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard in Canada. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for versatile seating configurations, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, detracting from the overall convenience.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The rear seats, however, lacked leg support due to a low and flat cushion, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Cargo space measured 835 litres behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and additional compartments under the cargo floor for organization. Folding the rear seats increased cargo capacity to 1,668 litres, with a maximum of 2,260 litres when the front seats were moved forward. While not class-leading, the RDX's cargo space was competitive and practical for most needs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included 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 notable drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, with a 10.2-inch screen and built-in streaming apps, was not well-received by younger passengers accustomed to touchscreens.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While an improvement over similar systems from Lexus, the TTI required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included satellite radio, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi tethering, and an available navigation system. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its innovative approach, the TTI system was not ideal, and a more intuitive interface would have been preferable.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. The system included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking was sometimes uneven, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective than a vibration.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a comprehensive 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, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance. Despite some missing features, the RDX's safety systems were smooth and accurate, enhancing overall safety.