2021 Honda Odyssey Review | A terrific value—for now

The 2021 Honda Odyssey delivers tons of space and a surprisingly good drive, but the competition is about to heat up.

With a styling theme that dates back a decade, the 2021 Honda Odyssey has a familiar look that has been tweaked for the new model year. The grille and front bumper are new, every trim level gets standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs also debut for the top three trim levels. Essentially, these minor modifications serve to modernize the Odyssey by reducing brightwork.

Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, the 2021 Honda Odyssey’s drivetrain is identical to last year’s model. The engine makes 280 horsepower, and the transmission includes Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes as well as a set of paddle shifters that few people will use.

Supplying smooth, effortless power, this V6 and automatic transmission are a terrific combination. The engine includes variable cylinder management, a fuel-saving technology that allows it to operate on fewer cylinders under certain driving conditions, thereby conserving fuel. The EPA says the 2021 Odyssey should get 22 mpg in combined driving, and we averaged 21.8 mpg on our testing loop.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is unavailable. With both Chrysler and Toyota offering AWD in their 2021 model-year minivans, this puts the front-wheel-drive (FWD) Odyssey at a disadvantage in parts of the country where snow and ice are a regular occurrence.

Storage space is excellent, as is expected of a minivan. However, the Elite’s standard wireless smartphone charger does take up some room on the center console’s top tray. Even the front doors have shelves to make extra space for various items.

Starting with EX trim, the Odyssey is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that equips the minivan with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app that gives everyone aboard in a say in the road-trip music and climate control selections.Honda improves the Odyssey’s already impressive safety for 2021.

The automaker’s collection of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), called Honda Sensing, is now standard with base LX trim. Furthermore, Honda Sensing expands its capabilities thanks to a new radar unit and, now that LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist are standard, the Odyssey should once again earn a Top Safety Pick recommendation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Compared to other vehicles that can’t match a 2021 Odyssey in terms of passenger comfort or outright cargo space, ranging from Honda’s own Pilot to full-size SUVs like the Chevy Suburban, this minivan is a bargain in terms of utility and practicality. Plus, it gets better gas mileage than the majority of similar-sized SUVs.

Compared to other minivans, the Odyssey is less compelling in terms of value.

Presenter: Christian Wardlaw
Cinematography: Dan Sharp
Written review: Christian Wardlaw



0:00 Introducing the 2021 Honda Odyssey
0:42 Trim Differences and Pricing
1:45 Redesigned Features
2:50 Interior Impressions
3:45 Seating Configurations
5:28 Cargo Space
6:40 Safety Features
7:57 Infotainment Overview
8:56 Driving Impressions & Engine Information
10:39 Final Thoughts and Closing

[frankcicero]

Chris is the best in reviews followed by Everyman driver.

[AsimUllahOnline]

5:08, , on my 2019 odyssey, i cannot fold the second row seat flat, u would think it would be default on all model, why its on 2021 but not on the model before. ??? :(

[georgev]

I really don’t like when manufacturers send their top of the line trim to reviewers. Send the volume sellers: EX, LX. Chances are that if you like the lower trims, then you gonna really like the top models. But I do understand why they do it: showing off all the tech and features.

[jasonmccarty]

I have a 2021 and it has seat height adjustment. You’re referring to the adjustment that moves the whole seat up or down correct?

[jamesf]

I think overall I would go for the Sienna. Hybrids in all trim levels, which is a game changer.

[skymorality]

Major turnoffs are the button transmission and reliability concerns. Love the magic slide for second row

[rkalla]

Chris is my spirit animal - if he likes it, I like it.

[TruthHasSpoken]

The styling of the current Sienna trumps this exterior so bad; and honda needs to bring back the tuning knob. They are not listening to their customers!!!

[robertstoler]

Chris, Always love your honesty in your reviews. 👍

[mlgt]

Why is it that car reviews in the USA are always about complaining why it should have or does not have?
Honda makes 'amazing & reliable cars'. Stop the winning..

[achien]

Thank you for this review. Im on my 3rd minivan, a 2020 Oddy EX, coming from a 2003 Oddy and a 2012 Sienna. Only reason I bought the 2020 was because of its GVW which qualifies it for section 179. I didn't like the car at first but 6 months later it's growing on me. It has always driven well, but the interior is not great in terms of storage and there is no rear emergency braking.

Like you said, the storage is huge. I have a college freshman and a high schooler, so we're still lugging things and people around. Btw you keep saying new for the 2020, did you mean the 2021?

[frankcicero]

I love this guy and his reviews which means I'm not interested in this minivan.

[sumatralex]

This can be a good testing sample for Honda to collect customer feedback effectively worldwide.

[dadaUnts]

That's how it is with Honda, it's called a Mid-Generation Refresh (5th Generation; 2018 - present)... NOT redesign, NOT restyled, but a REFRESH. It's like the 4th Gen (2011-2017, they had a 'Refresh in 2014... new Side view mirrors, etc.)

[cardo]

As always an excellent review! The Oddy is always a good choice in this segment.

[jvk]

Brakes has always been a problem with Honda. I had both Odyssey and Pilot and they all have sub par braking power with brake rotors warped prematurely.

[badmandontdance]

I drive 2015 odyssey touring and I love it. Styling i must say Toyota trumps it but driving no comparisons, Toyota doesn't come close.
Only thing I disagree is sitting lower in the van makes me feel more planted when driving, I hate sitting up high.

[ezekielmcclure]

Pre-facelift front end looks better. Honda kinda pulled a Camaro here, but the new Odyssey is not nearly as offensively ugly as the new Camaro.

[quangnguyen-wvxq]

When is the tax on cars imported into the Vietnamese market equal to the selling price in the US?

[Andrew-zxwx]

I wonder how well Cabin Talk will amplify my farts to wake up rear passengers. Might have to go for a test drive, lol.