2021 Honda Odyssey

2021 Honda Odyssey Highlights

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s mid-cycle refresh has created a more angular, muscular-looking minivan. Changes continue into the interior with new fold-flat second-row seats, a rear-seat reminder, revised climate controls, and perforated leather seats in the first and second rows of the 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite trim.

Key Details

• Minivan body style
• Three-row seating for up to eight passengers
• 3.5-liter V6 engine standard across all trims
• Ten-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Refreshed exterior design with a new front fascia and grille
• LED headlights are standard across all trim levels
• Interior upgrades, including new seating materials and trim accents
• Honda Sensing safety suite standard on all trims
• Improved second-row seat functionality for easier removal
• New rear seat reminder system

Benefits

• Spacious and versatile interior
• Strong V6 engine performance
• Comprehensive standard safety features
• User-friendly technology
• Smooth ride quality
• Available family-oriented features like CabinWatch and CabinTalk

Learn More: Here Are The Honda Odyssey Years To Avoid

2021 Honda Odyssey Overview

Performance

A single-engine powers the 2021 Honda Odyssey:

3.5-liter V6 engine

• 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque
• Ten-speed automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive

Odysseys are the muscle cars of the minivan world with their gutsy V6 and 6.5-second 0-60 mph time. The engine isn’t brash or rough, but it’s refined, smooth, and known for being reliable and durable.

The ten-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts and helps optimize acceleration and fuel efficiency. While the Odyssey doesn't offer all-wheel drive, its front-wheel-drive system is sufficient for most driving conditions.

Performance features include:

• Eco assist system to maximize fuel efficiency
• Active noise cancellation
• Variable cylinder management (VCM) for improved fuel economy

Towing capacity for the Odyssey is respectable:

• Up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2021 Honda Odyssey a top five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2021 Odyssey a Top Safety Pick+, its highest designation.

For 2021, the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is now standard across all trim levels, including:

• Collision mitigation braking system (CMBS)
• Road departure mitigation system (RDM)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with low-speed follow
• Lane keep assist system
• Traffic sign recognition (TSR)

Additional standard safety features include:

• Vehicle stability assist (VSA) with traction control
• Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Higher trims offer additional safety features such as:

• Blind spot information system with cross-traffic monitor
• Front and rear parking sensors

Driving

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is the perfect choice for buyers who want a sporty sedan's acceleration and power and cargo van's room. Its handling is exemplary for a minivan, yet it doesn’t ride harshly. Odysseys are smooth and composed.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine is a champ, producing superb power and torque without hiccups or harshness. The ten-speed automatic transmission pairs well with this engine, providing seamless shifts and good responsiveness.

The Odyssey's steering feel is well-calibrated for a minivan, offering enough feedback to keep the driver connected to the road without being overly heavy. The Odyssey's turning radius is relatively tight for its size. Body roll is well-controlled during cornering, and the vehicle maintains its composure even when driven more assertively than typical family driving might demand.

Interior

The 2021 Honda Odyssey interior refreshes with improved materials and practical touches, such as dirt-hiding multicolor floor mats, third-row grocery bag hooks, and more USB ports.

Key interior features include:

• Available leather-trimmed seating
• Magic Slide 2nd-row seats with removable middle seat (EX and above)
• One-motion 60/40 split 3rd-row Magic Seat
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• Available heated steering wheel
• Tri-zone automatic climate control (EX and above)

The Odyssey's front seats are comfortable and roomy. The second-row Magic Slide seats provide excellent flexibility by sliding side to side and front to back. The third row can comfortably accommodate adults, a rarity even among minivans. Stepping up to the 2021 Honda Odyssey Touring trim gets third-row sunshades and a wireless hotspot.

Cargo space is generous:

• 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row
• 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 144.9 cubic feet with both rear rows removed

The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls logically arranged and easy to reach. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is well-integrated into the center stack, providing easy access to various functions.

Family-friendly features include:

• Available CabinWatch rear seat monitor
• Available CabinTalk in-car PA system
• HondaVAC built-in vacuum (Touring and Elite trims)

On the 2021 Honda Odyssey EX trims and higher, side doors are power-sliding.

Technology

The 2021 Honda Odyssey refresh brings several improvements to the Odyssey's tech offerings.

Key technology features include:

• Available eight-inch touchscreen Display Audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System
• Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio
• Available Wi-Fi hotspot capability
• Available eleven-speaker premium audio system

The Display Audio system is generally user-friendly, with responsive touch inputs and intuitive menu layouts.

Additional available technology features include:

• CabinTalk in-car PA system
• Wireless phone charging
• Multi-zone audio capability

The Odyssey also offers practical tech features for families, such as:

• Available rear entertainment system with a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen
• Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
• 115-volt power outlet

Fuel Economy

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, particularly considering its size and V6 power. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

• FWD (mpg): 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined

2021 Honda Odyssey Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 Honda Odyssey an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5. Owners praise the Odyssey for its comfort, styling, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• Luxurious, smooth ride
• Upgraded, spacious, tech-filled interior
• Lots of power from burly V6
• Excellent crash test ratings
• Numerous safety features
• Family-friendly features like Magic Slide seats and CabinWatch
• Only minivan that comes with a built-in vacuum cleaner

Problems

• Higher trims can get expensive
• There is no hybrid option, unlike some competitors
• All-wheel drive isn’t available
• Second-row seats must be removed for maximum cargo space
• Some find the styling conservative compared to rivals

Explore: How Long Do Honda Odysseys Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Longevity

CoPilot's Take

The 2021 Honda Odyssey aims to be all things to all people, especially families that want the driving experience of a powerful sedan combined with triple the interior space. The updates for this model year, particularly the standardization of Honda Sensing across all trims and the exterior refresh, make the Odyssey more attractive.

One of the Odyssey's most vital points is its interior versatility and quality. Even mid-range 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L trims get leather, and second-from-the-bottom EX trims still get heated 12-way power front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seats provide excellent flexibility for passenger and cargo configurations. The spacious cabin and smooth ride quality make it an ideal vehicle for long family trips.

Performance is another highlight, with its 280-hp V6. The ten-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth operation and respectable fuel economy for its class.

Safety is a crucial consideration for family vehicles, and the Odyssey excels in this area. With top safety ratings and a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, it provides peace of mind for parents.

Drawbacks do exist for the Odyssey, though. The lack of a hybrid or all-wheel drive may be a dealbreaker for some buyers, especially as competitors offer these features. Additionally, while the second-row seats are versatile, they must be physically removed for maximum cargo space, which can be cumbersome.

2021 Honda Odyssey FAQs

Is 2021 a good year for a Honda Odyssey?

Yes, 2021 is generally considered a good year for the Honda Odyssey. It received a mid-cycle refresh, bringing updated styling, improved standard safety features, and interior enhancements. The 2021 model builds on the Odyssey's reputation for reliability, comfort, and family-friendly features.

How long will a 2021 Honda Odyssey last?

A 2021 Honda Odyssey can last 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Many Odyssey owners report their vehicles surpassing 200,000 miles with regular care.

What is the price of a used 2021 Honda Odyssey?

According to CoPilot national listings, a 2021 Honda Odyssey costs $20,000 to $41,000, depending on condition, mileage, equipment, and marketplace conditions.

Check Out: 2025 Honda Odyssey Release Date: Everything You Need To Know