2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance style with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a price range from $42,905 to $56,805. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, was priced at $58,806 with a destination charge. While the interior boasted quality materials, the Pilot's design felt more akin to a minivan, which, along with its exterior, did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was recommended for families due to its practicality. The minivan's sliding side doors made loading children easy, and its comfortable third-row seat accommodated additional passengers without hassle. The Odyssey offered significant cargo space, rivaling that of a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded and the second-row seats removed. Despite the limited number of minivans in the market, the Odyssey maintained a sense of style, with kinked sliding doors and character lines. The Touring trim, priced at $56,806, featured quality leather upholstery and a spacious interior, though the centre stack's switchgear placement required some acclimatization.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive. This setup allowed for a smooth and quick acceleration, with Intelligent Traction Management offering various driving modes. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.0 L/100 km, with the test vehicle achieving 10.9 L/100 km. The Pilot's suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, aided by its torque-vectoring system and 20-inch alloy wheels. However, its off-road capability was limited by modest ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also housed a 3.5-litre V6 engine with identical power specs, but it was front-wheel drive with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike its hybrid competitors, the Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 L/100 km, with the test drive averaging 10.4 L/100 km. The Odyssey offered a pleasant driving experience, though its brakes exhibited vibration and noise under repeated use. Despite this, the minivan was quick and responsive, handling various road conditions with composure. However, its brakes needed improvement for better performance on mountain grades.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with power adjustments, while second-row captain’s chairs offered similar comfort and heating. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults due to its low cushion. Storage was abundant, with a large centre console and hidden compartments. Cargo space measured 524 litres behind the third row, expanding to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a low ride height. The Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustments and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage was plentiful, with various compartments and a centre console tray. The second-row Magic Slide seats allowed for flexible configurations, enhancing safety and accessibility. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, with 929 litres of cargo space behind it. Folding the third row increased space to 2,452 litres, and removing the second row provided a maximum of 3,984 litres.

The 2021 Honda Pilot's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature. However, the system's small screen and limited voice recognition were drawbacks.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey's technology package was comprehensive but outdated. Starting with the EX-L Navi trim, it included an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity. The Touring trim added navigation, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk features, along with a rear entertainment system. Despite these features, the system's small screen and lack of a tuning knob were limitations, and the voice recognition was less effective than smartphone assistants.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system lacked refinement. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also featured Honda Sensing, with additional functions like pedestrian detection and lane-centring assist. It included automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder. The system's performance was sometimes abrupt, and the blind-spot monitoring warning was poorly placed. The Odyssey earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.