2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design that had been subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a refreshed grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's modern appeal by minimizing brightwork. The interior was upgraded with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, giving it a more luxurious feel akin to an Acura.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, offering traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. It distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, featuring laser-etched knurling in the grille slots. The Grand Wagoneer boasted a new body-on-frame architecture with independent suspension and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, it offered high-end features such as 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and American Walnut wood trim, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

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 featured driving modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine's variable cylinder management technology helped conserve fuel, achieving an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. Despite improvements, the brakes struggled under heavy use, especially during a heatwave.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system for adjustable ride height. With 25.4 cm of ground clearance, it could tackle off-road challenges, although its size limited its trail capabilities. The V8 engine provided ample power, but the ride was bouncy at higher speeds, and the steering felt imprecise.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers enjoyed legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated front seats and outboard mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for 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 and up to 3,984 litres with seats folded. However, removing the second-row seats for maximum cargo volume was cumbersome.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space measured 775 litres with all seats in place and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kg, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. Standard features included a sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim 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 wasn't a touchscreen.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had their own 10.25-inch touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured an Android-based OS and over-the-air updates. While the screen was occasionally slow to respond, the head-up display was clear and legible.

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 earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS, with top five-star ratings from the NHTSA for most crash tests. However, the adaptive cruise control's braking could be uneven, and the lane-departure warning system's steering wheel wobble was less effective.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.