2025/2026 Honda Odyssey: Stress-Free Family Hauling

The fifth-generation Honda Odyssey was introduced for the 2018 model year, then updated for 2021 and again for 2025. As part of its latest revision, the Japanese minivan receives some cosmetic tweaks and more gadgets to keep up with the times.

On the outside, the front grille has been redesigned. Ditto for the front and rear fascias. The cabin now includes more technology, and the rear-seat entertainment system features a larger, high-resolution display. Other than that, the Odyssey remains very similar to last year's model, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

• Also: 2025 Honda Odyssey: Still No Hybrid, But There’s New Stuff to Like
• Also: 5 Features to Discover Inside the Honda Odyssey

Four Trim Levels

The 2025 Honda Odyssey lineup consists of four trim levels, all equipped with Honda Sensing safety technologies and a long list of amenities. Notably, the Odyssey comes standard with heated seats and steering wheel, as well as a non-panoramic sunroof. The instrument panel incorporates both an analogue speedometer and a seven-inch digital display.

First, there's the entry-level Sport model, which starts at an all-inclusive price of $52,943. Then, the Sport-L ($55,943) visually stands out with black trim and darkened taillights. The steering wheel and the seats in the first two rows are finished in black leather with red stitching. At night, ambient lighting illuminates the cabin in red.

Next up, the Touring model ($61,343) includes a host of technologies, such as satellite navigation and the CabinWatch monitoring system, which allows front-row occupants to keep an eye on those sitting in the back via the main screen. Other features include a hands-free power tailgate, premium audio system, ventilated front seats and automatic windshield wipers.

Finally, the Odyssey Black Edition ($63,143) that we tested sits at the top of the range. It's also the only model that can be dressed in red, while gloss black trim adds another distinctive touch. Inside, the perforated leather seats are adorned with red stitching, and "Black Edition" logos are embroidered on the seatbacks and floor mats.

For 2026, the Odyssey will return without any changes except for increased prices: Sport ($54,442), Sport-L ($57,443), Touring ($62,843) and Black Edition ($64,643).

Oldie but Goodie

This versatile minivan offers easy access and a flexible interior. The second row folds almost completely flat, while the third row can either disappear into the floor or leave a massive space for cargo. On long trips, the Odyssey pampers its occupants with comfortable seats, although lateral support is lacking. Visibility is excellent thanks to the huge, sloping windshield combined with generous side glass. In addition, the CabinTalk feature allows the driver to communicate with rear passengers via the speakers.

While relatively firm, we found the suspension to be much better calibrated than that of the Chrysler Grand Caravan/Pacifica (which feels bouncy) and the Kia Carnival (too firm). The Toyota Sienna offers a plusher ride. With the Odyssey, you get a minivan that is more pleasant to drive than its competitors because it has some sporty genes.

Furthermore, the 3.5-litre V6 is both powerful and enjoyable to listen to. Even after all these years, it still proves a robust engine. Not only that, but its 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque can be fully and efficiently exploited thanks to the 10-speed transmission. In our first test drive, which combined highway and city driving, the Odyssey achieved 9.9 L/100 km. We also did a road trip mainly on the highway and ended up with an average of 9 L/100 km. Incidentally, max towing capacity is rated at 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs).

Unlike Toyota, Kia and Chrysler, Honda has yet to offer a hybrid alternative with the Odyssey despite growing demand for the technology. The manufacturer is planning to introduce a new generation of hybrid models starting in 2027, and the Odyssey could be one of them. More detailed information will be shared at a later date.

Safe? That Depends

Generally speaking, the various safety features found on the Honda Odyssey do a proper job, but it’s not like we’re impressed. Lane-keeping assist struggles at times to detect road markings, while automatic emergency braking tends to be a bit too intrusive. No complaint about adaptive cruise control, which operates smoothly, but watch out for road departure mitigation, which can steer the vehicle away from the apex in a corner. To sum up, Honda Sensing technologies are nice, but they sure could use some fine-tuning.

Structural rigidity is another point worth mentioning. The Odyssey’s crashworthiness is great, as evidenced by collision tests performed by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) over the years. That being said, the 2025 model received a “Poor” rating in the organization’s updated moderate overlap front test. This is a shame, because Honda has an otherwise solid vehicle, here.

Durable and Reliable

If you look into a dictionary, the word "odyssey" is defined as “any long journey, especially when filled with adventure, hardships, etc.” However, Honda’s minivan is more about stress-free family hauling, particularly the current generation which has encountered few problems to date. In fact, it's proven to be reliable and durable for consumers who want peace of mind. Still, the Odyssey is ripe for a redesign inside and out, even though the cabin is ergonomic and user-friendly, and it could use some safety upgrades, too. Maybe for 2027? We’ll have to wait and see.