2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was a minivan that offered practicality and style, making it a popular choice for families. Its design featured sliding side doors, which were a significant advantage when loading children into car seats in tight parking spaces. The Odyssey's third-row seat provided ample comfort for adults, unlike many SUVs, and the cargo space was impressive, rivaling that of larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Suburban. Despite its practicality, the Odyssey's minivan image deterred some buyers, although its design included stylish elements such as kinked sliding doors and dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Elite trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer presented a more traditional SUV appearance with a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline. The King Ranch trim, which we tested, featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding, adding a touch of luxury. However, the Explorer's third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, making it more suitable for children. The Explorer's interior had a mix of quality and questionable materials, but overall, it exuded a sense of robustness and athleticism, appealing to those who preferred a sportier look.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive and had an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg in combined driving. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and noise.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Explorer also offered a hybrid drivetrain with a combined 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, achieving up to 27 mpg. For those seeking more power, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine was available, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer's ride was robust, and it handled off-road terrain with ease, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey offered easy access with wide-opening doors and a lower ride height. Inside, the Odyssey Elite featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for families, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey boasted 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim included heated and ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the third-row seat was challenging for adults to access and lacked legroom. The Explorer's cargo space measured 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Touring and Elite trims included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, along with a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Odyssey's infotainment system was considered outdated, lacking a larger screen and advanced voice recognition capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Explorer's Sync 3 system was outdated compared to Ford's newer Sync 4 technology, and its voice recognition system struggled with certain commands.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came standard with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. However, Honda Sensing lacked refinement, occasionally issuing invalid warnings or taking abrupt actions.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and last year's model received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for rollover resistance. Ford Co-Pilot360 was standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.