2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with updates to the grille and front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert at the rear and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim modernized its look. The interior was enhanced with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, giving it a more upscale feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, aligning it closer to a luxury minivan experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from its boxy predecessors. Its stance and profile suggested a poised readiness, with a long roofline and pronounced wheel arches adding to its athletic appeal. The interior was described as "Scandinavian Modern," featuring natural wood and metal trim, and luxurious details like a crystal gear selector. Volvo's commitment to sustainability was evident, with options for leather-free upholstery, although Nappa leather remained available for those desiring ventilated seats. The XC90's design and materials underscored its position in the luxury SUV segment.

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, with paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 10.8 L/100 km in testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were praised for their balance, though the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered a choice of three powertrains. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 horsepower. The Recharge model combined a supercharged/turbocharged engine with an electric motor, producing 455 horsepower. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model boasted an EV range of up to 58 kilometres. The XC90's driving experience was noted for its smooth power delivery and minimal body roll, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious interior with logical controls and ample storage. The driver's seat was highly adjustable and comfortable, though the lack of a tuning knob for the stereo was a drawback. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout provided versatile seating configurations, while cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 3,984 litres. However, removing the second-row seats to access full cargo capacity was cumbersome.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 accommodated six or seven passengers, with easy access to the third row. While the third row was suitable for children, adults found it lacking in legroom. The XC90 offered up to 1,855 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and could tow up to 2,250 kilograms. The interior was well-appointed, with ample storage and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the cabin's airy feel. The climate control system performed admirably in extreme weather conditions, ensuring comfort year-round.

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

The 2022 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system offered tablet-like functionality with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. While intuitive, the system was occasionally slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, and the Advanced package added a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The Harman-Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. New features for 2021 included low-speed follow for adaptive cruise control, 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.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's legacy of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping aid, and adaptive cruise control. The Pilot Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, affirming its status as a top performer in safety.