Flash Drive

2021 Honda Odyssey

April 15, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a great long distance (or short) hauler for the whole family and all their stuff.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 10-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined

Base Price: $47,820

As Tested: $49,335

Performance:

Strong, smooth V-6 engine

OK fuel economy—our best was 23.0-mpg

The 2021 Honda Odyssey front row room and comfort are excellent.

Very pleasant highway ride

Smooth shifting transmission

Large array of standard safety features

Center stack buttons for Econ and Snow modes

Comfort:

Very spacious interior

Stretch-out driver legroom

Heated and ventilated front seats (3 temps)

Power lumbar both front seats

Middle row seats can be configured for either two or three passengers.

Medium thick heated leather steering wheel

Lots of very good auxiliary controls

OK manual tilt/telescopic column

Spacious second row seats room for large adults

Excellent headroom

Totally flat second row floor

Three separate seats, but middle one quite narrow

Second row window shades

There is a huge storage well behind the third row that holds the easy fold seats.

Roomy third row

Utility:

Power sliding open/close side doors

Power tailgate clears tall people

Big, wide rear opening

Deep storage well behind third row seats

Split third row seats easily fold in/out of well

Flat cargo floor with third row seats folded

When the third row seats are stowed there is a large flat cargo area.

Second row seats have to be removed to maximize cargo space

Vacuum cleaner in left rear corner of cargo area

Great multi-faceted center console

Large, slide out front drawer

Deep main bin with sliding cover

Smart phone charging pad

Large locking glovebox

Big sun visors

Four seatback pouches

A built-in vacuum cleaner is a great feature.

WOW Factors:

Huge storage well behind third row seats

Room for up to eight people

Built-in vacuum cleaner

Quality interior materials

Ample USB ports for rear passengers

Lots of small item storage

Whines:

Second row seats have to be removed for max cargo capacity

The 2021 Honda Odyssey has a large tailgate that can be activated by foot motion.

No AWD

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite is all about spacious family comfort. Interior space and features are excellent as is cargo versatility. Performance and safety features are great. Entertainment features and ports for electronic devices are very good. The 2021 Honda Odyssey is the modern mini van done right.