2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 debuted 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 added 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 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was evaluated in Black Onyx, one of three available colors. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. However, it took less than 24 hours for a windy afternoon to coat the Lexus with a layer of brown dust, making it look drab and old. The GX’s design, despite updates like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, still looked dated. Inside, the cabin’s quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet atmosphere. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, 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, it 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. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. The brakes, however, did not withstand much abuse, heating up and fading during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds and achieve a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, sending 40% of power to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. The GX’s drag coefficient was 0.35, contributing to its EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it returned 16.8 mpg. The GX featured a Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) for improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

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

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, entering the rear seat was tricky due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was challenging to access and uncomfortable for adults, with limited cargo space when in use. The GX’s tailgate swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Cargo space measured 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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 included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims featured 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 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle did not have the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. For 2022, Lexus made Intuitive Parking Assist standard, with optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Lexus GX, lacking crash-test ratings, featured Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.