2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that catered to families with its practical design and thoughtful features. Its sliding side doors made it easy to load children into car seats, even in tight parking spaces, and the spacious third-row seat provided comfort for additional passengers like grandparents or carpoolers. The Odyssey's cargo space was impressive, offering the same capacity as a Chevrolet Suburban when the third-row seat was folded down and the second-row seats were removed. Despite the minivan's utilitarian image, the Odyssey managed to incorporate a sense of style, particularly in the Elite trim with its dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels and kinked sliding doors that added character to its design.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling update, presenting a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The new design featured a lowered beltline and simplified detailing, resulting in a sleeker look with cleaner lines. The HR-V's interior was thoughtfully designed, with new seats and a refined cabin that echoed the trend set by the 2022 Civic. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof, creating a comfortable and upscale environment. Despite its compact size, the HR-V provided ample visibility and a well-organized interior, making it a practical choice for those seeking a stylish and functional subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel-drive minivan offered a smooth driving experience, with an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked the hybrid options available in competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes were prone to heating up during extended downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and audible grumbling.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement over the previous model, and the updated CVT with Step-Shift function aimed to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered Normal, Snow, and ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more engaging driving experience. The new suspension and widened tracks contributed to its fun-to-drive nature, especially on mountain roads, though it was not overpowered. The HR-V's fuel efficiency and driving dynamics made it a competitive option in its segment, despite lacking multiple powertrain choices like some rivals.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey provided a spacious and versatile interior, with easy access thanks to its wide-opening doors and low ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible seating arrangements, and the third-row seat offered comfort for adults. With 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the seats removed, the Odyssey excelled in cargo capacity, making it ideal for family road trips and daily errands.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, while smaller, offered a well-thought-out interior with a center console featuring a shelf for storage and USB ports. The HR-V's cargo space measured 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the previous model. Despite the reduction, Honda claimed it remained one of the largest in its class. The HR-V's rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier access, and the interior volume was competitive, with 98.7 cubic feet for LX and Sport trims and 97.3 for EX-L. The HR-V's interior design and functionality made it a practical choice for those seeking a compact SUV.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a range of technology features, though its infotainment system was becoming outdated compared to rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring and Elite trims added navigation, HondaLink connected services, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display. However, the system's functionality was limited, and the 8-inch touchscreen felt small by modern standards. The Odyssey's technology package needed a significant update to remain competitive.

The 2023 Honda HR-V improved its technology offerings, with a tablet-style touchscreen rising above the dash. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, with wireless versions available on the EX-L. The EX-L also featured a 9-inch infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker audio system. The HR-V's infotainment system included Smart Shortcuts and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, enhancing the user experience. The HR-V's technology package was well-rounded and modern, providing a competitive edge in its segment.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, with occasional false warnings and abrupt responses. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2023 Honda HR-V also featured the Honda Sensing suite as standard, with additional features like traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V's safety systems were generally unobtrusive and effective, with a new single-camera system providing a wider field of vision. While the 2023 HR-V had not yet been crash-tested, the 2022 model received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, and improvements for 2023 aimed to address previous shortcomings.