2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Volvo XC90

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new model year introduced a redesigned grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. The Touring trim debuted a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing the minivan's modern appeal by reducing brightwork. The interior saw improvements with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, elevating the Odyssey's upscale feel. The vehicle's seating material and design were upgraded, and new tri-colour floor mats were introduced to better conceal dirt.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully redefined Volvo's image with its design, maintaining traditional styling elements while adding character. The XC90 featured a boxy profile and a blunt front end with a rectangular grille, softened lines, and increased chrome detailing. The LED headlights with "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights added a distinctive touch. The Inscription trim, with extra chrome trim and optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the flashiest, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more basic looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced Swedish minimalism, with thoughtfully arranged materials and options like wool upholstery and matte-finish wood trim, creating a refined yet understated luxury experience.

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, and paddle shifters for manual control. The Odyssey's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with an average of 10.8 L/100 km during testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put the Odyssey at a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, although the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T5 engine was turbocharged, producing 250 horsepower, while the T6 added a supercharger for 316 hp. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric assist, delivering 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. All models featured all-wheel drive. Despite the power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' six-cylinder or V8 engines. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin, but acceleration on electric power alone was limited.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a spacious interior with 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 provided 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 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six- or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all rows. The interior felt spacious due to the power sunroof and upright roof profile. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded. The hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system 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 and streaming apps, but the lack of a touchscreen disappointed some users.

The 2021 Volvo XC90's Sensus infotainment system featured a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and the lack of front USB-C ports was inconvenient. A 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and head-up display were available.

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 and received top ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the XC90 a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.