2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey retained a familiar design that had been 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 gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching across the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trims, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. The Odyssey was available in five trims: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The Elite trim, priced at $48,940, included perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome 19-inch wheels, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, once a cutting-edge design, had become more mainstream with its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end. Its interior was conservative, focusing on comfort for commutes and road trips. The Murano was available in four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim included features like 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, and a Bose premium stereo system. The Platinum trim offered a dual-panel panoramic moonroof and premium leather with Prima-Tex protection.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It offered smooth and effortless power delivery, with driving modes like Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. The Odyssey's fuel-saving technology allowed it to achieve an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving. However, it lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for an upgrade.

The 2021 Nissan Murano featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered strong low-speed acceleration, but the CVT dulled its power at higher speeds. The Murano's ride was comfort-focused, with refined driving characteristics that absorbed road bumps well. It had a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered excellent storage and seating flexibility. It featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Elite trim. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout allowed for various seating configurations, enhancing passenger comfort and safety. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Nissan Murano provided up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 32.1 cubic feet with them in use. While not the largest in its class, the Murano excelled in ease-of-use with a traditional shifter design and ample storage cubbies. It offered generous headroom and legroom in both rows, with partial reclining functionality in the second row.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey's EX trim and above featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Cabin Control app. Touring and Elite trims added navigation, WiFi capability, and a CabinWatch interior camera. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it wasn't a touchscreen.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's sensible menu layout was complemented by hard buttons and dials. Available tech features included an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including new features like low-speed follow capability and pedestrian braking. It was expected to earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the IIHS. The Odyssey received top five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star score in rollover resistance.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360, including reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Additional features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking monitor were available.