Minivans still might not be the hottest automobile on the streets. However, there’s a lot of value packed into the space between the pug-nosed front end and unassuming tailgate. When you can pack up to eight people inside and look good doing it, you’ve start to understand why minivans still cruise the streets.
If you’re in the market for a brand-new kid caravan, the 2021 Honda Odyssey should be on your list. Honda puts together a strong mix of safety features and practical creature comforts. And all of it at a price tag you’d be hard-pressed to beat for competing vehicles. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Check out the details below. Then visit your local Honda dealership to check out the Odyssey for yourself.
Performance Specifications
Honda provides a singular engine for the 2021 Odyssey. It’s an adequate 3.5-liter V6. Configured solely in front-wheel drive, the V6 is paired to a 10-speed automatic. With 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the 2021 Odyssey has the brawn to back it all up.
Available Colors
Here are the paint colors you can choose from on the 2021 Odyssey.
- Platinum White Pearl
- Lunar Silver Metallic
- Modern Steel Metallic
- Obsidian Blue Pearl
- Pacific Pewter Metallic
- Forest Mist Metallic
- Deep Scarlet Pearl
- Crystal Black Pearl
Trimlines and Pricing
Ready to delve into what you’ll find on the inside? We’ve got the details on all things creature comforts below.
LX
Honda prices the base Odyssey at $31,790. A push button start, cloth power front seats, automatic climate control, and tinted rear windows come straight from the factory. There’s enough room for seven people to fit inside, as the second row comes with captain’s chairs. Riding on 18-inch wheels, the LX includes a five-inch central display and a seven-speaker sound system. Bluetooth is available too.
EX
If you’re looking to seat eight people, you’ll need to start here. The EX model offers a bite more than the LX, with perks like an eight-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, shades for second-row passengers, power sliding side doors, keyless entry, remote start, and the Magic Slide seats in the middle. Heated outside mirrors will come in handy in colder climates. If you’ve got to have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you’ll need to choose at least this trim level. This model starts at $35,190.
EX-L
Coming in just under $39,000, the EX-L model adds a power liftgate and moonroof, along with leather upholstery. The auto-dimming rearview mirror reduces your need for sunglasses. The driver-seat memory function means you can switch drivers without losing your perfect seat settings.
Touring
Families who travel a lot will want to spring for this model, which starts at $42,500. It focuses on entertainment features and creature comforts. A wifi hot spot, GPS navigation, and third-row sunshades make the back seat a great place to be when on the road. Quadruple 19-inch wheels keep this wagon ramblin’. We think the CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems will be a big hit, too.
Elite
Topping out the list at a price of $47,820, the Elite trim offers you a wide variety of accessories. Most notable is the HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum system that makes clean-up easy. Also of note is the hands-free tailgate, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, automatic wipers, and 11-speaker sound system. Wireless device charging can be added as well.
Safety
The 2021 Honda Odyssey has not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently awarded the 2021 Odyssey a Top Safety Pick+ and “Good” ratings in all categories.
Honda equips the 2021 Odyssey with its trademark Honda Sensing suite. Included as standard equipment are features like collision mitigation, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Rear-Seat Reminder keeps an eye on back-seat passengers too.
Fuel Efficiency
With only a front-wheel drive V6 engine to choose from, customers are limited to a fuel efficiency rating of 19 city and 28 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon. Given that the Odyssey can haul up to eight people at a time, those numbers are reasonable. This is especially true when you consider most three-row SUVs put out the same numbers — often with smaller, less powerful engines.
Competitors
It’s hard to argue that the 2021 Odyssey breaks the mold of a large box with sliding doors. Some reviewers pointed out that the rear seats are heavy and a hassle to remove when needed. There’s also no hybrid or all-wheel drive option. That puts the Honda behind if you value those features.
Autoblog lamented the lack of design upgrades in the interior, saying it “looks exactly the same, meaning awfully sensible and pretty ugly.” There’s no denying Honda does hold back a bit when it comes to luxurious touches inside.
However, as much as the experts found to gripe about on the 2021 Odyssey, they balanced their critiques with just as many, if not more, compliments. Known for being “a class-leading minivan for over 20 years,” the 2021 Odyssey was named a “great choice for modern families” by Car and Driver. The folks at U.S. News ranked the Odyssey first overall in the minivan segment, giving it praise for being “one of the most fun-to-drive family-haulers out there.” It’s no sportscar, for sure. But who says owning a minivan means sacrificing an interesting driving experience?
The 2021 Odyssey steps into the future with plenty of safety and tech features. It basically has to, if Honda wants to keep up with nameplates like the Kia Sedona, Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna. Both the Pacifica and Sienna boast hefty safety systems and all-wheel drive.
The ability to use all four wheels on future Odyssey models would put Honda back ahead of the pack. We’re also wondering if the Odyssey will be next Honda to get a hybrid engine (especially after its sibling the CR-V just received one). Cheaper alternatives include the Dodge Grand Caravan or an entry-level two-row crossover. However, you’ll lose a combination of features, safety, or seating capacity if you opt for those.
The Last Word
The 2021 Odyssey might not be a car enthusiast’s first choice. However, it’s definitely a smart choice when it comes to transporting family in a safe and entertaining environment. If you packaged some of the best things about the Honda brand with the capability only a minivan can offer, you get the newest Odyssey.
Are you ready to own a new 2021 Odyssey? Check with your local Honda dealership for more details and to test drive what could be your new favorite vehicle.
Source: Honda.com
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