Honda’s Odyssey competes quite nicely against Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Sedona, and Toyota Sienna. It fits in the top echelon of a very competitive segment.
This slightly refreshed minivan has an updated styling and some new standard advanced safety features like the rear seat reminder system. This system alerts the driver should a person or object remain in the back seat after the engine has been turned off.
The facelift brings Odyssey more in step with the brand’s current styling direction. New and revised LED head lights plus revised lower bodywork and fog lamps are some of the key changes outside. The new gloss black grille gives the face a rounded and well-integrated impression. In the back, a prominent black-and-chrome strip joins the two LED taillamp assemblies. Larger side mirrors and newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires add to the new exterior personality.
The hands-free access power tailgate and dual power sliding doors allow people and luggage to enter and exit effortlessly. Rain-sensing wipers, rear and front parking sensors, and power moonroof with tilt/slide are thrown into the Honda cauldron of attractive features.
Honda didn’t make any changes in the Odyssey powertrain. The 280-horsepower 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management is coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
This V6 minivan earned an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for a 22 mpg combined average.
The absolutely most impressive factor of the Odyssey is reflected in the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating. Odyssey got a perfect 5-star score in Overall Safety Rating, plus all Frontal Crash and Side Crash categories. Only in the Rollover test was a score of 4 awarded.
Leather, leather, and more leather is visually apparent in the attractive cabin. Heated leather steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and the HondaVAC are examples of how the Odyssey Elite cares for its occupants. The 8-inch Display Audio infotainment system is a technology powerhouse, with HD Radio, SriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Satellite-Linked Navigation with Voice Recognition, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and HondaLink Subscription Service. Also occupying the center display is the Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.
The compact control panel was quite functional and the crisp graphics on the infotainment screen was easily read. However, it would have been helpful if a tuning knob was available for the multimedia center.
The Advanced Rear Entertainment System with 10.2-inch high-resolution screen, Blu-ray player, and 2 wireless headsets provides great entertainment for rear passengers.
Honda vehicles come standard with a safety feature package called Honda Sensing that includes Adoptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, Traffic Sign Recognition, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation System.
I liked the Odyssey the moment I stepped inside. It stood tall and proud with easy entry. The driver’s seat was command central, placing you close to all the features for control. Everything is easily accessible, and features like Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control make the cabin comfortable quickly.
Honda says the second-row seatbacks now fold down flat, supposedly making it easier to remove and carry. As you look from the front seat into the back, you seem to have a massive amount of open space.
Odyssey handles well even on a curve while completely loaded with passengers and gear. Summer is nearly here and Odyssey goes well with the season and expected travel.
The list price for the 2021 Honda Odyssey starts at $31,790 for the base LX mode. The range-topping Elite carries a starting MSRP of $47,820.
Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty
5 years/60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty
5 years/unlimited miles Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or durhlcaussey@gmail.com.
