Our Verdict
What's New
- The 10-speed automatic previously only available on upper trims is now standard across the board
- A 25th Anniversary appearance package is also available for between $1,500 and $2,800
Pros & Cons
- Perky 280hp V6 pleasantly surprises when summoned
- Drives more like a car, not a van
- Elite trim includes all the cool toys, tech and comfort features
- 25 years later, still no power-folding 3rd-row seats
- No all-wheel-drive, hybrid or EV option
- Is making light-colored seats the only option a good idea?
The 2020 Honda Odyssey, now in its fifth generation, is one of a few remaining minivans available to moms in the SUV-fixated U.S. market. It is also the top seller among its peers likely because its exterior styling is modern-ish and its spacious interior is full of innovations such as side-to-side sliding second row captain’s chairs, a rear camera system to spy on wayback passengers and a PA system to ensure they hear the driver’s instruction to stop messing around. Certain models also have a retractable vacuum in the rear cargo area.
The Odyssey is available in five trims, LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite. As expected, the Elite trim includes all the good stuff, from the aforementioned on-board vacuum system to a raucous 550-watt, 11-speaker, subwoofer-powered audio system, to the complete Honda Sensing safety suite. All the while, you’re whisked down the road in comfortable leather heated/cooled front seats, and the second-row pair slide both back and forth and side to side. Yes, the third row still requires manual wrangling, but when in use, eight full-sized people can sit back and relax with copious legroom and personal space.
Regardless of trim, a slick-shifting 10-speed automatic sends the power from the 280-horsepower V6 to the front wheels, and the ride is supple but controlled. Overall, it’s much more like a car than a ponderous van. Mashing the accelerator actually results in rapidly increasing velocity, which is very welcome joining freeway traffic. Honda claims a zero to 60 time of about 7.5 seconds
A wireless phone charger is available on the front of the forward pod. When it starts raining, the wipers jump into action along with the headlights. There’s not-so-great GPS on the 8-inch center touchscreen and a bright drop-down widescreen for in-car cinema. The CabinWatch in-van camera system and rear-seat PA system is a handy tool for tired parents on long road trips (or a short jaunt to the market).
Did Honda miss anything with the latest Odyssey? An all-wheel-drive version or even a hybrid or electric option would be great, but for now age 25 looks pretty good on the Odyssey.
Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
5 Years/Unlimited Miles
3 Years/36,000 Miles