The minivan hangs on
The family minivan segment has been dwindling for years now, and just a handful of models remain today. The trusty family hauler has fallen to the wayside with the ever-increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs. With comparable pricing, seating, and, in many cases, more capability, SUVs are a more compatible pick for many Americans.
Even so, the Honda Odyssey remains a solid competitor among the minivan segment. Its practical interior has everything a family driver could want, including an optional 12.8-inch screen for rear passenger entertainment. Honda also managed to squeeze as much cargo space into the Odyssey as possible, putting it near the top of its class.
Honda
The 2025 Honda Odyssey comes with three-row seating and starts at $42,220, a significant jump from the 2024 model’s sub-$40,000 MSRP. The increased price tag is due to Honda cutting the base EX trim for 2025 and making the EX-L the new base trim.
The Honda Odyssey also gets several cosmetic changes for the 2025 model year, including a new grille and rear bumper design. There are plenty of tech updates as well, with a seven-inch digital instrument display and nine-inch infotainment display coming standard across the range.
Honda
The Honda Odyssey is a practical minivan fit for any family’s day-to-day life
Available from $42,220, the 2025 Honda Odyssey EX-L comes with a well-equipped spec sheet. With the discontinuation of the EX trim, however, the Honda Odyssey lands among the more expensive models in the minivan segment.
The Odyssey rolls out with a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. That combination delivers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, as well as a 4,500-lb. maximum towing capacity.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2025 Honda Odyssey is rated for 19 city mpg, 28 highway mpg, and 22 combined mpg, putting it right on par with other gas-only minivans. There are just seven minivans available in the market, and that count includes the Honda Odyssey.
Honda
The gas-only Chrysler Pacifica starts at $42,450, comes stocked with a 287-horsepower V6 engine, and is rated for 22 combined mpg. The gas-only Kia Carnival starts at $36,800, features a 287-horsepower V6 engine, and earns up to 21 combined mpg. The Toyota Sienna is available from $39,185, comes equipped with a 245-horsepower hybrid powertrain, and is rated for up to 36 combined mpg.
The all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz is an outlier in the minivan segment, both because it’s arguably not a minivan and it boasts an electric powertrain. It starts at $59,995 and delivers up to 282 horsepower in rear-wheel drive and 335 horsepower with all-wheel drive. According to the EPA, the VW ID.Buzz offers up to 234 miles of range on a single charge.
Who is the Honda Odyssey’s closest rival?
The most obvious pick from the Honda Odyssey’s six competitors is the Toyota Sienna, which starts at $39,185. Much like the Odyssey, the Sienna received plenty of updates for the 2025 model year and has been offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain since 2021.
Honda
When it comes to price alone, the Toyota Sienna is the clear victor, undercutting the Honda Odyssey by a pretty penny. The Sienna also dominates the gas-only Odyssey when it comes to fuel efficiency, earning up to 36 mpg in the city and on the highway. That’s a pretty significant advantage over the Odyssey’s 19 city mpg and 28 highway mpg.
The Honda Odyssey takes the advantage when it comes to performance thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All in all, the Odyssey’s powertrain pumps out 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The Toyota Sienna trades performance for efficiency, with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors in all-wheel drive configuration delivering 245 horsepower. Toyota doesn’t provide a total torque figure for the 2025 Sienna. While the Honda Odyssey is limited to a front-wheel drivetrain, however, the Toyota Sienna is available with all-wheel drive.
Unfortunately, the Sienna’s weaker powertrain results in a lower towing capability, which puts it behind the Odyssey. While the Honda Odyssey can tow up to 4,500 lbs., the Sienna’s towing capability is limited to 3,500 lbs.
When it comes to seating, both models offer enough space for up to eight passengers. Only the Toyota Sienna offers optional second-row captain’s chairs that reduce its seating capacity to seven.
Honda
The Honda Odyssey takes home a clear victory when it comes to cargo space, with the second and third rows being among the roomiest in its segment. It measures in at 38.6 cu ft. of cargo space with all rows upright and 91 cu ft. with the third row folded down. With both rear rows folded down, the Honda Odyssey offers up to 155.8 cu. ft. of cargo space.
The Toyota Sienna doesn’t quite compare, with just 33.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with all seats upright, and 75.2 cu. ft. with the third row stowed away. Folding down both rear rows brings maximum cargo space to 101 cu. ft.
Honda
Final thoughts
The minivan segment isn’t what it used to be, but that’s made the remaining models incredibly competitive. With a modest exterior giving way to a practical interior, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2025 Honda Odyssey. It’s also worth noting the Odyssey brings its reputation for reliability to the road, and that simply can’t be understated in a family hauler.
Honda
However, with more affordable hybrid competitors available, including the Toyota Sienna, it’s tough to justify the Honda Odyssey’s $42,220 price tag based on efficiency and performance alone. In terms of family-friendly features, the Odyssey is much more competitive. It also offers higher towing capability than the typical minivan.
If fuel economy isn’t of any concern, the 2025 Honda Odyssey is worth the price. It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, and plenty of tech to go along with it. Overall, if you’re hunting for a minivan that puts family first, the Honda Odyssey should be near the top of your list.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog