2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new model year introduced a redesigned 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 modern appeal by reducing brightwork. Inside, the Odyssey offered perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting, elevating its interior to a more luxurious level. The seating material and design improvements, along with tri-colour floor mats, contributed to a more refined and upscale look.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its bold and distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. The vehicle featured the brand's signature two-line lighting design, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's styling was unique, with a shoulder line tracing an arc distinct from other Genesis models and undulating accent lines around the side windows. The Sport and Sport Plus grades received dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the exterior, including the standard 21-inch alloy wheels. The GV70 offered a wide range of exterior and interior colour combinations, allowing for personalized customization. The interior featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with genuine carbon fibre inserts available on the Sport trims, and a backlit graphic design option for a unique appearance.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The drivetrain offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency. Natural Resources Canada estimated fuel consumption at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and testing showed an average of 10.8 L/100 km. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and the adaptive cruise control included a stop-and-go low-speed following capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and expertly managed body motions, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the test unit featuring a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. This engine positioned the GV70 against mid-level performance competitors, with power figures surpassing several German counterparts. Fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined, with testing showing slightly lower figures. The GV70 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, prioritizing the rear axle for torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive performance, and an electronically controlled suspension system for a balanced ride. The turning radius was notably tight, aiding urban manoeuvrability.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey provided a spacious and practical interior with legible instrumentation and logical controls. The driver's seat was 12-way power-adjustable, offering comfort and support, while heated front seats and outboard mirrors were standard. The Odyssey featured Honda's Magic Slide second-row seat layout, allowing for versatile seating configurations. 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 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design and ergonomics, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls within easy reach. The infotainment system was controlled by a raised dial, and climate controls were configured under a single pane with haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available on higher trims. The rear space featured a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. The tonneau cover could be stowed under the rear load floor, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The EX-L Navi and Touring trims added navigation, while the Touring grade included a CabinWatch interior camera and CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim also offered 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, Blu-Ray player, and streaming apps, though it lacked touchscreen functionality.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with high-resolution graphics and split-screen capability. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though not in wireless form. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster with Hyundai's Blind View Monitor system. The GV70 introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. USB ports were provided for both front and rear passengers.

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 was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for crash tests. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 featured ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. A new rear occupant alert system used radar to detect movement in the second row. The Genesis Highway Driving Assist system included lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, but the quality of the on-board systems was highly regarded.