2025 Honda Odyssey Elite

Even with SUVs being all the rage, the 2025 Honda Odyssey holds its own against rivals like the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Carnival. Sure, some competitors offer hybrid powertrains or AWD, but the Odyssey wins big with its mix of features, reliability, and family-friendliness. If anything, the Odyssey would be considered the “OG” of minivans, with its tried-and-true formula of being flexible, comfortable, and stuck to its roots.

By that, I mean that the Odyssey still uses the same V6 engine it always has, which includes the front-drive configuration that Honda is known for. But does that mean that the Odyssey is being left in the dust by its rivals? After a week of driving, I don’t think so. If anything, I think it has gotten better with age.

Exterior

The new Odyssey doesn’t scream for attention, but its updated exterior is sharp. The bolder grille and sleeker LED headlights give it some attitude, and the side lines plus those new wheels make it look more modern than ever. I like that Honda isn’t afraid to offer fresh paint choices too; the new Smoke Blue color that my tester came in looked extra sharp. And those sliding doors? Still as handy as ever, especially when parking is tight.

My only gripe, though, was that the sliding door closed slower than I would like, but that could be for safety reasons. The last thing you would want is a kid getting his head stuck when the door closes, but luckily, the door opens if it senses an object in its path – like a hand or, God forbid, a head. Otherwise, the Odyssey looks like a contemporary minivan without looking overdone or too futuristic.

Interior 

Step inside, and the Odyssey is honestly more like a family lounge than a minivan There’s lots of soft-touch materials and clever places to stash all the stuff families inevitably collect. I love the Magic Slide seats, they make it so much easier to access the third row or configure seating, and it’s a huge plus if you have car seats or older kids who want to spread out.

Tri-zone climate control is a lifesaver, and the available leather and ambient lighting add a touch of luxury. The floor stays flat and low, so little ones can clamber in without a struggle, and everywhere you look, there’s somewhere to charge a device or put a cup.

Even with all three rows in use, there’s still decent space for bags or groceries, and folding down the third-row Magic Seat opens up a massive cargo area. Getting in and out of the third row with the second row in place is a little cumbersome, but there is plenty of room back there once you’re in.

Powertrain and Driving Impressions

Under the hood, the Odyssey sticks with Honda’s 3.5-liter V6, now with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and paired to a 10-speed automatic. It feeds this power to the front wheels only, as all-wheel-drive is not available like it is on the Toyota Sienna. But the Odyssey is still quick enough for merging and passing and handles more like a car than you’d expect for a minivan. The steering is responsive, and it soaks up bumps really well, making for a comfortable ride. The visibility out of all four corners is excellent and the push-button shifter is weird at first, but you get used to it after a few drives.

The fuel economy is a nice bonus, the EPA rates it at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, so it’s not too thirsty for a vehicle of this size. During my week with it, I averaged 23 mpg after driving it on the streets and the highway.

Technology

Honda hasn’t skimped on the tech. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the center is crisp and straightforward, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. I found the interface easy to use, and there’s less distraction for the driver. CabinTalk is a genius idea, you can actually talk to the kids in the back without yelling. If they need entertainment, the optional rear system handles streaming and comes with wireless headphones, which means peace on long drives. Multiple USB-C ports, onboard Wi-Fi, and remote vehicle features via HondaLink round out a very connected cabin.

The CabinWatch features is also a nice touch. It allows the driver to see the rear seat areas on the infotainment system and even zoom in when needed. This should help a lot of parents on road trips, especially if they need to keep an eye on an infant in a car seat. Additionally, I could not get over how good the 500-watt premium audio system sounds. I’m sure kids would like it too.

Safety

Honda’s safety suite is standard, which means you get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automatic emergency braking right out of the gate. Most trims also give you blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and upper trims throw in a surround-view camera and parking sensors. The Odyssey still gets top marks in crash tests, which is always reassuring if you’ve got kids in the back.

Summary

Although choices are slim and the competition is fierce in the minivan segment, it’s easy to trust the safety, comfortable driving dynamics, and overall utility that the 2025 Honda Odyssey brings to the table.

Honda really nailed it with the Odyssey, so much so that it’s hard to find anything at fault with the minivan. However, I do wish that it was a hybrid and came with an all-wheel-drive option like the Sienna. Otherwise, the Odyssey is a safe and excellent choice for families and commuters alike.