2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained 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 Odyssey was available in four trim levels: EX-RES, EX-L Navi, EX-L RES, and Touring, with base pricing ranging from $44,645 to $55,845, including destination charges. The interior boasted new perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, ambient dashboard lighting, and tri-colour floor mats, elevating the Odyssey's upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised exterior lighting, additional lower body trim, and exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded with premium detailing, including a simulated suede headliner. The Palisade's unconventional styling drew mixed reactions, but its luxurious appearance belied its actual cost. Inside, the Calligraphy trim's cabin was adorned with quilted and stitched premium Nappa leather, making it a standout in the midsize three-row SUV class. The Palisade's design and features made it appear more expensive than it was, offering a genuine bargain for those seeking a plush and sophisticated SUV.

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. This combination provided smooth and effortless power, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow, along with paddle shifters. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, and it averaged 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey featured a new electronic brake booster, enhancing adaptive cruise control and brake pedal feel. While the Odyssey offered a pleasurable driving experience with well-managed body motions, its brakes struggled under heavy use, particularly during a heatwave.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, Snow, and a Lock function for improved traction. The Palisade's fuel efficiency was rated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres, matching the test vehicle's performance. The Palisade's firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive without sacrificing comfort. While not designed for spirited driving, the Palisade remained predictable and sure-footed. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and featured a new seven-pin trailer pre-wiring connector for 2021.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The driver's seat was 12-way power-adjustable, providing comfort with inboard adjustable armrests. Heated front seats and mirrors were standard, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The Odyssey's 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, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 3,984 litres with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, offering a roomy and accessible cabin. The front seats were eight-way power-adjustable, with heated and ventilated options for both front and second-row seats. The third-row passengers enjoyed separate climate controls and sunshades. The Palisade's second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and support, with easy access to the third row. Cargo space measured 509 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,297 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,447 litres with the second row folded. The hands-free Smart Liftgate added convenience, although it could be disabled if desired.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included 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 lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Both allowed simultaneous Bluetooth pairing of two smartphones, with the smaller screen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included SiriusXM, HD Radio, navigation, Blue Link services, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom system, Quiet Mode, and an available head-up display. The surround-view camera system aided parking and maneuvering.

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 earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and active blind-spot monitoring. The Highway Driving Assist provided smooth and sophisticated adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.