2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar yet refreshed appearance with updates to its grille, front bumper, and standard LED headlights across all trims. The addition of a gloss black spear with a chrome insert and new wheel designs for higher trims modernized its look. The Odyssey offered five trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, featured upscale touches like perforated leather upholstery and ambient lighting, enhancing its luxurious feel. The new 19-inch wheels and reduced chrome added to its appeal, making it a more sophisticated minivan option.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX models, maintained its sharp-edged, streamlined design. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX's styling had not significantly evolved over the years. Built on the previous-generation Toyota RAV4 platform, it lagged behind in engineering advancements. The F Sport Black Line edition featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and striking Grecian Water paint. While the exterior was bold, the interior design felt dated, with plastic switchgear and trim. The NX aimed for a sporty feel, but material quality was more akin to mainstream brands.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower. It offered smooth power delivery and included variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA rating of 22 mpg combined. However, the lack of all-wheel drive put it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. Despite improvements, the brakes struggled under heavy use, indicating a need for upgrades.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive but was not a performance vehicle, taking 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement, with a clunky transition between electric and gasoline power. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, with Eco mode further reducing acceleration.

Inside the 2021 Honda Odyssey, drivers found clear instrumentation and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered versatile configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated adults and children comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum volume of 144.9 cubic feet, though removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. The front seats, however, provided excellent support with 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility, but the dashboard controls were easily accessible. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Power-folding seats and a power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi, and a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The CabinWatch and CabinTalk features were useful for communicating with rear passengers.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the system felt outdated. The base audio system was underwhelming, and higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing as standard, offering advanced driving assistance systems. It was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and received top ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance score. The Odyssey's ADAS worked accurately but could be smoother in operation.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with a comprehensive suite of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.