2022 Volkswagen Taos vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance, with subtle updates to its styling. The new grille and front bumper, along with standard LED headlights across all trims, gave it a modern touch. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights and a new 19-inch wheel design for the Touring trim further enhanced its look. These changes aimed to reduce brightwork and provide a more upscale feel. The interior improvements, such as perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, contributed to a more luxurious atmosphere, making the Odyssey Touring a strong contender in the minivan segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos was positioned as a compact SUV with a spacious interior, fitting well within Volkswagen's lineup. Its styling was consistent with the brand's design language, featuring 19-inch machined-finish aluminum alloy wheels and Cornflower Blue paint that added vibrancy. The Taos included standard roof rails, dark grey plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates, aligning with typical SUV aesthetics. However, the interior materials, primarily hard plastics, were less impressive, though the Highline trim offered two-tone perforated leather and an upscale dashboard strip. Despite some questionable design elements, the Taos aimed to deliver a modern and practical SUV experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow. 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 was a disadvantage in snowy conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The brakes, though improved, showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine's torque delivery was sometimes delayed, leading to sudden power surges. The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, paired with the 4Motion AWD system, offered spirited performance but could be erratic and harsh. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provided smoother driving but was limited to front-wheel drive. The Taos excelled in road feel, steering response, and handling, especially in Sport mode. However, its ground clearance was less than some competitors, and fuel efficiency was rated at 8.5 L/100 km, with an average of 8.7 L/100 km during testing.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers found legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, with heated front seats and mirrors standard in Canada. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements in folding design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted a roomy cabin, with deeply bolstered front seats offering extensive adjustment options. The Highline trim included heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and air conditioning vents. Cargo space varied with the drive system, with up to 790 litres behind the back seat in FWD models and 705 litres in AWD models. The Taos featured a centre pass-through for skis, enhancing its practicality for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and more. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim featured an 11-speaker premium audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Trendline trim, with an 8-inch display in higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless versions available in Comfortline and Highline trims. The Highline added navigation and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio system. However, the MIB3 infotainment system had usability issues, with complex menu navigation and voice recognition problems. The transition from Fender to BeatsAudio was not seen as a positive change.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with five-star ratings from the NHTSA for most crash tests. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos required higher trims for popular safety features like forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Highline trim offered advanced features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, with the latter providing emergency stopping capabilities. Reverse automatic braking was problematic in certain situations but could be disabled. As a new model, the Taos had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.