As much as people make jokes about minivans, one thing we can’t deny is how incredibly practical they are. The brand new 2021 Honda Odyssey is here to take that practicality even further. This model is stylish and tech-heavy, bringing it out of the simple commuter vehicle category and in line with the desirable SUVs. The Honda Odyssey is a van you are going to be proud to drive. If you’re not sold yet, hang tight. We’re about to get into the good stuff.
The Odyssey’s History
The Honda Odyssey debuted in 1995. These first-generation Honda Odyssey models were available in two trims and offered tons of cargo space. The Odyssey got several upgrades throughout the years, with the fourth generation’s 2005 to 2010 models coming in four trims, getting more horsepower, and coming with better fuel efficiency.
The 2021 Honda Odyssey
It’s no surprise that the newest Odyssey model is by far the greatest yet. It comes in five different trims, in eight different colors, and includes the advanced Honda Sensing driver’s assistance suite. The Odyssey offers only one engine option, so you don’t have to stress about making that decision on top of everything else.
The 3.5L V6 will give you a respectable 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. You will even be getting a decent fuel economy of 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway for a combined 22 MPG. Every trim comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission with handy paddle shifters. This V6 engine can get you where you need to go without draining your fuel tank as quickly as minivans of the past. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the general specs of the 2021 Odyssey.
The Interior and Exterior: Innovative and Visually Appealing
The 2021 Odyssey offers quite the aesthetic appeal. Its eight colors include Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Pacific Pewter Metallic, Forest Mist Metallic, Deep Scarlet Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl. Its sliding doors combined with its wrap-around windows create a smooth, sleek look. With LED fog, head, and taillights, the Odyssey shines bright in style.
As far as the interior is concerned, the power moonroof paired with leather heated and ventilated seats provides a comfortable experience for passengers. Kids will love reclining back and star watching on their way home from the beach. Speaking of younger passengers, CabinWatch and CabinTalk are features that allow you to project your voice throughout the cab. When your kids start acting up, it’ll be much more difficult for them to tune you out thanks to this feature. Lastly, the seating configurations are perhaps the most appealing interior feature of all. Allowing up to eight passengers, the Odyssey comes with Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats that can move and fold, creating extra space when needed.
Honda Sensing Driver’s Assist Features
There are several safety features on the 2021 Odyssey, so let’s break down what each one does. First, we’ve got the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). As the title suggests, this technology automatically applies brakes to avoid potential collisions. Next, we’ve got the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM). In short, RDM keeps you from forgetting your turn signal when switching lanes, and it can even automatically steer your minivan to avoid dangerous encounters. These two systems are like having a really attentive passenger whose only job is to keep you safe and in your lane.
Next, Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow will keep you properly centered in your lane and adjust your speed based on surrounding vehicles. Lastly, Traffic Sign Recognition uses a camera to read nearby signs and displays essential information on the Driver Information Interface. Overall, these assist features don’t replace attentiveness, but they definitely help keep you safer.
The Base Trim (LX)
The lowest Honda Odyssey doesn’t come with as many standard features as the other four trims. However, it does come with the aforementioned Honda Sensing Suite, a multi-angle review camera, and power front seats. It has 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth for audio and phone calls, and intelligent traction management with snow mode to help during bad weather. Additionally, it comes with a 160-watt audio system with seven speakers and a subwoofer, creating a well-rounded listening experience. If you don’t feel the need for additional higher-end features, then this is the minivan for you. You can purchase an Odyssey LX for a starting price of $31,790.
The EX Trim
The second trim, the EX, comes with Magic Slide 2nd-row seats, blind spot information system, Apple CarPlay, and Smart Entry. It also has heated power side mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators, CabinControl, and HondaLink, to name a few additional standard features. It also comes with a trial of SiriusXM Radio, unlike the LX. It’s a nice upgrade from the base level, as it comes with the most important assets like the other higher trims, but a few bonus comfort and convenience features. You can buy an EX Odyssey beginning at $35,190.
The EX-L Trim
In addition to the previous trim’s features, the EX-L adds on leather-trimmed seats, a power tailgate, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a one-touch power moonroof. It also adds the HomeLink remote system, which is Honda’s wireless-based control system. An automatic-dimming rearview mirror and power side mirrors with memory and reverse gear tilt-down are also featured in this trim. The front passenger seat is also better, with 8-way power adjustment and 4-way lumbar support, creating an even more comfortable driving experience. If you want the EX-L trim, you can purchase it starting at $38,460.
The Touring Trim
The second-highest trim level is the Touring, so it gets a bit fancier. This one adds in an advanced rear entertainment system, including a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen, a Blu-ray player, and built-in streaming applications. It includes both CabinWatch and CabinTalk, a wi-fi hotspot, and adds in a standard navigation system with voice recognition. It also comes with fancier 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a higher lift than its lower-trim siblings. The Touring trim is an excellent midway option if you want something fancy without paying the highest price. The Touring is available for about $42,500.
The Elite Trim
Finally, the best that this model has to offer can be found in the Elite. The highest trim comes with a wireless phone charger and eleven speakers with a subwoofer in addition to the previously mentioned features. A heated steering wheel, power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, hands-free access to the power tailgate, and a HondaVac, which is a built-in vacuum cleaner, can also be found in this trim. In short, the Honda Odyssey Elite is for those who want the most lavish driving experience. You can purchase the Odyssey Elite starting at $47,820.
Our Overall Thoughts?
The new Honda Odyssey has a lot to offer and for an affordable price tag. At its most basic level, the standard V6 engine and included Honda Sensing suite provide everything a family needs, and the perks just get better the higher up the model line you go. This ensures that drivers don’t have to pay extra just to feel safe or to feel like their investment is even worth driving. On the flip side, the Elite offers tons of luxury and convenience features if you’re looking to splurge a little.
It is important to note that the lower two trims actually have a bit more overall cargo space than the higher three times, landing at 158 cubic feet behind the first row, versus 155.7 cubic feet. Sometimes, lower trims come with benefits that higher trims don’t, so don’t rule out the LX and the EX trims just because they’re cheaper. No matter what 2021 Honda Odyssey you decide to buy, you are sure to be happy driving in your stylish and modern minivan.
