2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The interior boasted perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with new dashboard ambient lighting, elevating the minivan's luxurious feel. The Odyssey's seating material and design improvements, along with tri-colour floor mats, contributed to a more refined interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform, offering a long-wheelbase model in North America with two rows of seating and expanded cargo space. Its front showcased Hyundai's new design language, with a parametric grille concealing LED daytime running lights and Bi-LED headlights. The Tucson's side profile mirrored the Hyundai Elantra's styling, featuring a silver D-pillar for a floating roof effect. The rear boasted distinctive LED taillights, setting it apart from other compact SUVs. Depending on the trim, the Tucson rode on 17- or 19-inch alloy wheels, with high-end trims featuring premium fascias, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof.

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. It offered driving modes such as Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, with a combined consumption of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres, though testing showed 10.8 L/100 km. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. However, it included an electronic brake booster for enhanced adaptive cruise control and improved brake pedal feel. Despite its enjoyable driving experience, the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson offered two powertrain options: a 2.5-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and electric motor. The ICE engine produced 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid delivered 226 combined horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain was more engaging and efficient, with a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 L/100 km. The Tucson's AWD system performed well in off-road conditions, and the hybrid model was notably more powerful than competitors like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. A plug-in hybrid version was anticipated, promising even greater power and efficiency.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious and practical interior with logical controls and ample storage. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in higher trims. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided 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 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson boasted a well-appointed interior with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and available ventilated front seats. The new platform allowed for increased passenger and cargo space, with more rear legroom than the Toyota RAV4. The Tucson offered 1,095 litres of cargo space, comparable to competitors like the Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. The rear featured a 60-40 split-folding bench seat and a dual-level cargo floor, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and wireless smartphone charging. 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 a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, and connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a fully digital instrument cluster. The touchpoints on the centre console were challenging to use while driving, requiring reliance on steering wheel controls and voice commands. Despite this, the system was responsive, and the Tucson's tech offerings were competitive for its class.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA for most crash tests. However, blind-spot monitoring required an upgrade to the Touring trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson's SmartSense Safety Feature suite included standard features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams. Additional safety options included blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While the Tucson had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, its comprehensive safety features rivalled those of luxury SUVs.