The following review is for a 2021 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.

Introduction

It's been a long time since minivans like the 2021 Honda Odyssey have been cool. But practicality never goes out of style. It might not elicit lusty stares, but the Honda Odyssey has the space, comfort, and flexibility to humbly support any lifestyle. 

For 2021, the Odyssey enjoys a mild refresh that includes a revised front end and more standard active-safety features. A few minor trim changes round out the 2021 updates. 

All Odysseys get their power by way of a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city, 28 highway, 22 combined. 

Standard safety equipment on the Odyssey has been expanded this year, so that all models including the base LX receive automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitors are available or standard on the higher-priced models. 

The IIHS and NHTSA both had good things to say about the Odyssey's crashworthiness, with both testing bodies awarding it their highest respective scores. 

Lineup

All prices include an $1,120 destination charge. 

The base LX is the cheapest Odyssey, ringing in at $32,910. Besides its newly-standard suite of active-safety driving aids, the LX gets cloth upholstery, keyless ignition, two USB charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity, 18-inch wheels, and a 5.0-inch display screen. It seats seven. 

The $36,310 EX adds numerous features to the standard-equipment list, such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, heated front seats, power-sliding doors, and blind-spot monitors. There's also an extra seat, bringing passenger capacity to eight, and Honda's Magic Slide system that allows for unique seating configurations and easier access through all three rows. 

The $39,580 EX-L comes with leather-trimmed seats, moonroof, power tailgate, an in-car PA system, and dual rear USB ports. 

The $43,620 Touring trim includes a rear entertainment system, a built-in vacuum, wi-fi hotspot capability, LED lighting, and an in-car camera that oversees the back two rows. 

The top $48,940 Elite trim adds heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, and an 11-speaker audio system. 

Walkaround

The aesthetic updates for 2021 bring a bit more style to the Odyssey, but look past the gingerbread and the Odyssey is, for all intents and purposes, a practically-shaped carryall that puts function far above form. It is classic minivan, thinly disguised by some swoopy lines and a slick-looking front fascia. That front end now sports a wider grille and narrower headlights for a more modern appearance. 

Interior

For minivans, the interior is where the action is. The Odyssey's cabin ranges from spartan, with a small 5.0-inch display screen and lots of hard plastics, to downright ritzy. Various luxury options and multiple seating configurations make the Odyssey customizable to a wide variety of needs and budgets. Common among all its variations is excellent build quality and fit and finish. 

While the small display screen is standard on the LX, most buyers-95 percent, per Honda-will skip that model in favor of the higher trims and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Appropriate for its mission, this system is a cinch to navigate on the fly and hardly has any learning curve. Among its features are standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. 

Other notable tech features abound as well. On EX-L and up models, an in-car PA system allows drivers to bark orders at the kiddos in the back seat, and an in-car camera provides video evidence of whatever shenanigans are happening back there. A back-seat vacuum on Touring and Elite models allow for easy clean-ups once said shenanigans wind down. 

A rear entertainment system is also on the options sheet. It comes with a single high-resolution 10.2-inch display screen and can stream PBS Kids and Spotify. 

The base Odyssey has second-row captain's chairs and seats seven, but all other models use a second-row bench seat to boost seating capacity to eight. These models all include Honda's Magic Slide seating system, which allow the second row to be easily moved forward, backward, or sideways. The variety of seating configurations provides welcome customization for families and the myriad ways they might want to arrange goods and passengers. 

The range of adjustability provides excellent room, especially in the third-row, which has 38 inches of leg room. For perspective, that's more than most mid-size sedans. 

There's 33 cubic feet of space behind the third row, but fold it into the floor and there's a massive 89 cubic feet of cargo area-mind you, that's still with the second row in place. That row doesn't fold flat into the floor like the Pacifica's, but can be removed entirely-just don't pull a muscle hauling the 70-pound seats into the garage. Once removed, the Odyssey has a full 145 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Driving Impression

Like old luxury cars, the Odyssey is a rolling couch. That doesn't mean it's flabby, floaty, or buoyant; only that it is coddling and isolating. The soft, well-tuned suspension does its best to convince passengers the road is paved in velvet, and for the most part it succeeds. You won't ever call it sporty, but who cares? The soft-riding, soft-spoken nature of this van is soothing. 

The 280-hp V-6 is peppy and muted, there to provide ample power but never once calling attention to itself. It is a perfect partner to the minivan's mission, and has no trouble with hauling the soccer team or carrying heavy cargo. On the highway, its power inspires confidence for making a quick left-lane pass or tackling steep grades. On any long trip the Odyssey simply eats up the miles. 

The 10-speed transmission was new last year, and we found that it was smoother and more refined than the old 9-speed. The 10-speed is smart about when to shift and doesn't shy away from downshifting when necessary. 

Summary

Minivans are superior to crossovers and SUVs in almost every objective way save off-roading. Even a quick stint in the 2021 Honda Odyssey is proof of this. Capacious, comfortable, powerful, and efficient, this jack-of-all-trades is one of the best family haulers extant. Make ours an EX-L. 

 

-by Anthony Sophinos, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.