2021 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar aesthetic with 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 extending across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's upscale look. The interior saw improvements with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, elevating the Odyssey's luxury appeal. Despite these updates, the Odyssey maintained its practical minivan essence, offering a range of trim levels from EX-RES to Touring, with pricing starting at $44,645.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek embraced the crossover trend by adopting rugged looks and a taller driving position, derived from the Impreza hatchback. The Crosstrek distinguished itself with black body cladding, model-specific alloy wheels, and increased ground clearance, giving it an SUV-like stance. The Crosstrek's vibrant colour options, such as Plasma Yellow Pearl, added to its character. While the interior remained largely unchanged from the Impreza, the Crosstrek offered functional yet plain aesthetics, with some unique touches like water-repellant upholstery in the Outdoor trim. Despite its SUV aspirations, the Crosstrek retained a car-like feel, balancing practicality with a hint of adventure.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, aided 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 our tests averaging 10.8 L/100 km. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek offered two engine options: a new 2.5-litre boxer-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque for the Outdoor and Limited trims, and a 2.0-litre boxer-four engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque for other trims. The boxer engine's low profile contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The Crosstrek featured standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode for improved traction on loose surfaces. Despite its SUV-like stance, the Crosstrek maintained predictable handling, though the higher centre of gravity resulted in increased body roll. The new 2.5-litre engine offered modest performance gains, with adequate acceleration and some CVT-induced droning.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers enjoyed clear instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat provided comfort, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shared its interior dimensions with the Impreza hatchback, offering competitive passenger space but limited cargo capacity. With 588 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place and 1,565 litres with them folded, the Crosstrek lagged behind some rivals. The CVT-equipped models featured a rear-seat reminder system, while storage options were minimal, with a handy cubby hole for phones and decent-sized bottle holders. The driving position was higher than the Impreza's, providing good outward visibility, though not as commanding as traditional SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim offered an 11-speaker premium audio system 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 lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek utilized Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch version on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with large analog knobs and buttons for essential functions. EyeSight driver-assistance features were controlled via steering wheel buttons, ensuring ease of use. The Crosstrek's infotainment setup was straightforward and effective, with navigation available on the Limited trim.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey boasted an impressive array of safety features, with Honda Sensing now standard across all trims. 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, though the adaptive cruise control's braking could be smoother. Blind-spot monitoring was available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. EyeSight driver-assist technology was standard on CVT-equipped models, offering adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The system's cameras were well-protected but could be obstructed by wipers or sunlight. The optional blind-spot monitoring system was effective, with prominent warning lights on the mirrors.