2026 Honda Odyssey

What's New for 2026

The 2026 Honda Odyssey receives a modest refresh that keeps the minivan competitive without reinventing it. Honda has streamlined the trim lineup to four levels—EX-L, Sport-L, Touring, and Elite—dropping the base EX that previously served as the entry point. The result is a higher starting price of $42,795, but every trim now comes with leather seating, a power tailgate, and heated front seats as standard equipment. The 3.5-liter V6 and 10-speed automatic carry over unchanged, as does the front-wheel-drive-only configuration. Updated infotainment software and revised interior trim materials round out the changes for the new model year.

Overview

The 2026 Honda Odyssey remains the benchmark by which other minivans are measured, and with good reason. Starting at $42,795 for the EX-L and topping out at $51,695 for the Elite, the Odyssey covers a wide price range while maintaining the family-hauling capability that has defined the nameplate for decades. Four trims keep the lineup focused, and all share the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels exclusively.

At 205.2 inches long on a 118.1-inch wheelbase, the Odyssey provides genuinely impressive interior space within a footprint that's manageable in suburban parking lots and garages. Passenger volume measures 160.1 cubic feet, and cargo capacity ranges from 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row to a cavernous 140.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded or removed. Curb weight ranges from 4,526 pounds for the EX-L to 4,590 pounds for the fully equipped Elite.

EPA fuel economy ratings come in at 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined, which is competitive for a vehicle of this size and weight. The 19.5-gallon fuel tank running on regular unleaded provides a real-world range of approximately 430 miles on a highway trip. Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds across all trims, which is enough for a small boat or utility trailer. Direct competitors include the Toyota Sienna (from approximately $38,500, hybrid only), Chrysler Pacifica (from around $40,000), and Kia Carnival (from roughly $37,000). The Odyssey's V6 powertrain gives it a performance edge over the Sienna's hybrid, while its interior flexibility and build quality remain class-leading.

Driving Experience

The 3.5-liter V6 remains one of the Odyssey's strongest assets. With 280 horsepower on tap, it delivers genuinely effortless acceleration for a vehicle weighing over 4,500 pounds. Highway merging is confident, passing requires no advance planning, and the engine responds promptly to throttle inputs without the delay inherent in turbocharged alternatives. The 10-speed automatic is well-calibrated, executing smooth and timely shifts during normal driving while responding quickly to kickdown requests when you need to close a gap in traffic.

The chassis strikes an excellent balance between comfort and composure. The MacPherson strut front and compact multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms absorb highway expansion joints and urban potholes with minimal intrusion into the cabin, maintaining the relaxed ride quality that minivan buyers rightfully expect. Body roll is well-controlled for a vehicle of this height and weight, and the electric power steering provides enough feedback to place the Odyssey confidently in its lane without requiring constant corrections. The 39.64-foot turning diameter is reasonable for the vehicle's size, making parking lot maneuvers and U-turns less stressful than you might expect.

Road noise is the one area where the Odyssey shows its age relative to some newer competitors. Tire noise on coarser highway surfaces is more present than in the best-insulated entries in the segment, though wind noise is well-managed at highway speeds. The 12.6-inch ventilated front and 13.0-inch solid rear disc brakes provide progressive pedal feel and consistent stopping power, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The 3,500-pound towing capacity is adequate for most family needs, and the V6 handles trailer loads without the strain that some four-cylinder competitors exhibit.

Interior, Comfort & Technology

The Odyssey's interior remains its strongest argument against the crossover-SUV trend. The cabin design is clean and functional, with a straightforward dashboard layout that prioritizes usability over visual flair. Material quality is appropriate for the price range, with soft-touch surfaces on the upper dashboard and door panels, though some lower surfaces use harder plastics typical of the segment.

Three rows of seating accommodate up to eight passengers, and the second-row Magic Slide seats remain an industry-exclusive feature that allows lateral and fore-aft adjustment for maximum flexibility. First-row occupants enjoy 40.9 inches of legroom and 38.7 inches of headroom, while second-row passengers get identical 40.9 inches of legroom with 39.2 inches of headroom. Even third-row riders get usable space: 38.1 inches of legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom make the rear seats genuinely functional for adults, not just children.

Cargo flexibility is where the Odyssey truly excels. Behind the third row, you get 32.8 cubic feet of standard cargo space (38.6 with the underfloor storage open). Fold or remove the third row and you're looking at 86.6 cubic feet behind the second row. With all rear seats out of the way, the Odyssey swallows 140.7 cubic feet of cargo—enough to serve as a legitimate moving vehicle for apartment-sized loads.

The infotainment system uses a touchscreen running Honda's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical climate controls remain below the screen for easy adjustment without screen interaction. The Touring and Elite trims add a rear-seat entertainment system with a ceiling-mounted screen, which remains a genuine differentiator for families with young passengers. Honda Sensing driver-assist features are standard across the lineup, and the Elite adds a CabinWatch camera system that lets the driver monitor rear-seat passengers via the infotainment screen.

Trim Levels & Pricing

All prices listed are MSRP before destination charges of approximately $1,345. Front-wheel drive is the only drivetrain configuration available—no AWD option exists for the Odyssey. Honda's trim strategy ensures each level adds meaningful features over the one below it, though the jump from Sport-L to Touring represents the biggest value proposition for families who want the rear entertainment system.

Safety

Every 2026 Odyssey comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic sign recognition. The blind-spot information system with cross-traffic monitor is standard across the lineup, as is traffic jam assist on higher trims.

The Odyssey's safety structure includes Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body design, complemented by a comprehensive airbag system: advanced front airbags, SmartVent front side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, and driver's and front passenger's knee airbags. The CabinWatch interior camera system on Touring and Elite trims adds a practical safety layer by allowing the driver to visually check on rear-seat passengers without turning around.

For comprehensive crash test ratings, visit nhtsa.gov and iihs.org.

Warranty & Ownership Costs

Ownership costs are reasonable for a full-size minivan. Annual fuel costs run approximately $2,000 based on 12,000 miles at the 22 combined MPG rating, and all trims use regular unleaded fuel. Insurance costs are moderate at $1,400–$2,000 annually, reflecting the Odyssey's family-vehicle classification and strong safety equipment. Honda's maintenance schedule is straightforward, and the naturally aspirated V6 avoids the potential turbo-related complications of some competitors. The 10-speed automatic is a proven unit with no widespread reliability concerns. Tire replacement costs are moderate—budget $700–$1,000 for a full set of the 18- or 19-inch all-season tires.

Frequently Asked Questions