2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, was a testament to Volvo's near-luxury status and commitment to safety and innovation. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the XC60 showcased a sophisticated design with its elegant two-box crossover style, short overhangs, and athletic body lines. The front grille proudly displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by the distinctive Thor's hammer LED headlights. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a nod to Volvo's early adoption of modern technology, while the attention to detail in the HVAC vents and harmonious textures elevated the interior to near-luxury status.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Touring trim level featured dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Odyssey's open-concept design provided ample storage and comfort, with quality leather upholstery and a low console between the front seats. The centre stack, though cluttered with switchgear, was intuitive, placing commonly used functions within easy reach. The expansive view through the massive windshield and small front quarter windows enhanced the driving experience, making the Odyssey a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, including the Polestar Engineered variant, combined a turbocharged engine with an 87-hp electric motor, delivering up to 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's all-wheel-drive system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, with fuel consumption figures ranging from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV. The XC60's cabin remained quiet, and the suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, making it an ideal road-trip vehicle.

In comparison, the 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive minivan featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with pushbutton controls. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain, resulting in a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 L/100 km combined. Despite this, the Odyssey's driving character was enjoyable, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, the brakes exhibited pedal vibration and audible grumbling during repeated use, particularly when descending hills. Overall, the Odyssey provided a pleasant driving experience, but its braking performance needed improvement for carrying heavy loads.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed to transport passengers in comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats offered excellent adjustability, and the heating system performed admirably in sub-freezing temperatures. The XC60's interior featured smart storage solutions, intuitive controls, and a generous cargo capacity of 613 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility, with wide-opening doors and a low ride height for easy access. The Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, as well as a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, while the third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults. With 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed, the Odyssey offered impressive storage capacity. However, the second-row seats were heavy and cumbersome to remove and reinstall.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface, offering a familiar experience for frequent iPad users. The system's portrait orientation and segmented screen design allowed for intuitive operation, though it required a learning curve. The XC60 included smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey's infotainment system was less advanced, with an 8-inch touchscreen display and limited rear-seat entertainment options. The Touring trim included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, as well as a rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display. However, the system's small screen size and lack of a tuning knob detracted from the overall experience. The Odyssey's embedded navigation system was also less user-friendly compared to smartphone-based alternatives.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 benefited from Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The XC60 featured a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous driving system called Pilot Assist. Volvo's decision to limit the XC60's top speed to 180 km/h further emphasized its focus on safety.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey also prioritized safety, with Honda Sensing as standard equipment on all models. This suite included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing false warnings or taking abrupt actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, but its safety features required further refinement for a more seamless driving experience.