2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance with updates to its grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim modernized its look. The interior featured upscale touches like perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its appeal as a premium minivan. The Odyssey offered four trim levels, with pricing from $44,645 to $55,845, and an extra charge for colours beyond grey or silver.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 maintained its classic BMW identity with a recognizable kidney grille and body shape. The luxury SUV featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport styling added a sporty flair with body-colour matched elements and larger wheel options. Inside, the X5's design was consistent with other BMW models, offering a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for an abundance of black plastic.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth power delivery and included fuel-saving technology like variable cylinder management. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's handling was enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm ride quality, though its brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 horsepower, while the X5 M reached up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid delivered 389 horsepower and offered up to 50 kilometres of electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with issues in responsiveness and dynamics.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers found logical controls and ample storage, though the lack of a tuning knob was puzzling. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated features standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered versatile configurations, but removing them for maximum cargo space was cumbersome. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 3,984 litres available.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Front seats were comfortable for short trips but became hard over time. The optional third row was not tested, but the split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easier. The X5's cargo space was ample, though slightly reduced in the hybrid model.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch camera, and a premium audio system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it was not a touchscreen.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, voice recognition, and multiple audio options. Additional features like a head-up display and premium audio systems were available. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once mastered.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2021 BMW X5 included standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, its driver assistance systems struggled with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control in certain conditions. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.