2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new 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 the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2022 Kia Telluride boasted a muscular design and balanced proportions, with trendy blacked-out wheels and trim available. For 2022, Kia made minor changes to the grille pattern and added new badges. The Telluride continued in LX, S, EX, and SX trims, with pricing from $32,790 to $44,590, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The test vehicle, an SX with AWD, the SX Prestige Package, and carpeted floor mats, totaled $48,325. The Telluride’s interior was well-designed, with logical controls and attractive materials, though the lower half of the cabin had glossy plastic that looked cheap. The SX Prestige featured Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner, contrasting sharply with the shiny plastic panels. For 2022, Kia added numerous new standard features, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, Highway Driving Assist, and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, as well as paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm but comfortable ride, and expertly managed body motions. However, the brakes did not withstand much abuse, heating up and vibrating during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Kia Telluride, with its 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine and 262 pound-feet of torque, was satisfying to drive. The eight-speed automatic transmission powered the wheels, and AWD models featured a Lock mode for even power distribution. The Telluride offered eight inches of ground clearance but limited wheel articulation, making it suitable for well-traveled paths. It performed well in snow and muddy conditions. On dry pavement, the Telluride’s brake-based Torque Vectoring Cornering Control system and driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport) provided a good driving experience. The SX trim’s 20-inch wheels and 245/50 tires offered good grip. The Telluride’s ride quality was supple, with a smooth ride and good handling. On the open road, it cruised effortlessly, aided by Highway Driving Assist technology. The Telluride matched its EPA fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in combined driving, with the test vehicle returning 21.1 mpg. The Telluride’s towing capacity was 5,000 pounds.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided various seating modes, and the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Kia Telluride balanced form and function with an upscale, organized interior. Thoughtful details included overhead air vents, manual rear side window shades, rear smartphone storage pouches, USB ports in the front seatbacks, and accessible rear cupholders. Dual-zone automatic climate control served front-seat occupants, while a single-zone panel served the rear. The SX Prestige package added Nappa leather upholstery and a simulated suede headliner. The Telluride’s seats were comfortable for adults in all three rows, though the third row was less preferred. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rows folded. The flat load floor made it easy to haul large items.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The Odyssey’s rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia Telluride featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, though it lost wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. USB charging ports were available in all three rows, with airline-style ports in the front seatbacks. A wireless smartphone charging pad was standard in all trims except LX. Kia Connect provided connected services, including 911 Connect, safe teen driving alerts, remote engine start, cabin climate pre-conditioning, and Find My Car. The Telluride also had standard Quiet Mode and Driver Talk functions. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, head-up display, and surround-view monitoring system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top five-star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all assessments except rollover resistance, which received four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was expected to award the Odyssey a Top Safety Pick recommendation.

The 2022 Kia Telluride included numerous standard driver assistance and collision avoidance technologies under Kia Drive Wise, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. The Telluride also featured Safe Exit Assist and Blind-Spot View Monitor technology. The NHTSA awarded the Telluride a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact protection for the driver and front passenger received four stars. The IIHS gave the Telluride a Top Safety Pick designation.