2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material quality and fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to competitors with all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional and comfortable, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style, especially in the Elite trim with dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Odyssey lineup included the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, with prices ranging from $33,040 to $48,770. The Elite trim featured leather upholstery, quality materials, and a low console between the front seats, providing ample storage space. The center stack, though cluttered with switchgear, was easy to use.

The Odyssey's interior was spacious and comfortable, with supportive front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and numerous storage options. The second-row seats offered plenty of legroom and could be configured in various ways, thanks to the Magic Slide feature. The third-row seat was also comfortable, with good leg support and foot room. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured a six-speed automatic transmission, which was adequate but not as smooth as the newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions found in competitors. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, which was average for its class. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar city/highway numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer all-wheel drive or an electrified powertrain. Its EPA fuel economy estimate was 22 mpg combined. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and good composure on mountain roads. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades could lead to pedal vibration and an audible grumble.

The 2021 Lexus NX had a well-styled and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and the second-row seats offering good legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available. The NX had a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, but cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was easy to enter, with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The second-row seats were comfortable and could be configured in various ways, thanks to the Magic Slide feature. The third-row seat was also comfortable, with good leg support and foot room. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on the top-tier NX. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was packed with technology, though its infotainment features were increasingly outclassed by rivals. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey had an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added navigation and HondaLink connected services, including WiFi hotspot access. The Touring and Elite trims also included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, a rear-seat camera system, and an in-vehicle public address system. The rear-seat entertainment system had a 10.2-inch display, but it was behind the times. The Elite trim added an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. All Odysseys also had automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.