Used 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey continues the winning ways of the best-selling minivan in the United States. During its lifetime where more than 1.1 million have found homes on American driveways, the Odyssey has become a Kelley Blue Book favorite, winning our Minivan Best Buy award in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Best Resale Value award in 2020, plus a 5-Year Cost to Own Award and Best Family Car award in 2019. The Honda Odyssey provides family transport for up to eight occupants that’s user-friendly, well thought out, and with a certain class.

It has a smartly functional interior and comes standard with many modern safety features. Although a Dodge Grand Caravan costs less, it doesn’t offer the same protections. The Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna have similar space and power. But the Odyssey’s ability to get so many minivan aspects right, including resale values, gives it a definite edge.

By its very nature, a minivan is large and does not prioritize sleek aerodynamics. That’s OK, customers are prepared for the trade-off when there’s so much practicality in return. However, the 2021 Odyssey is at least as responsive and controlled as many SUV/crossovers. It’s not particularly thrilling, but it’s not a chore either.

The only dynamic update for 2021 is a new electric brake booster that, beyond enabling low-speed adaptive cruise control abilities, also delivers improved brake pedal feel. The standard-issue 3.5-liter V6 still pulls strongly, sweetly, and almost silently. The 10-speed automatic transmission executes virtually imperceptible shifts. The drivetrain remains relaxed at freeway speeds, returning 28 mpg on the highway.

On all roads, the ride is simultaneously smooth and confident (with the 18-inch wheel/tire combination, at least), contributing to the Odyssey’s refined air. Other attributes include a hushed interior, plenty of room in all three rows, and some of the most advanced driver assistance systems offered in a minivan.

Among the upgrades for 2021, the Honda Odyssey now has 2nd-row seats that fold flat, making them easier to remove. Controls for the climate system have also been revised, while Honda now offers a rear-seat reminder feature. This latter item can work in tandem with the CabinWatch camera in the top two trims, which is an industry first. The first and second row of the Elite model are now covered in perforated leather.

There are many other practical features and technologies, and the 2021 Odyssey enjoys a high degree of fit and finish that transcends the typical soccer shuttle. All the requisite cup holders and cubbies are present, and the quality of materials is high. A large center console between the front seats is perfect for a wide variety of items like maps, tissues, baby wipes or even a pair of binoculars that might come in handy on the next road trip.

The dash (in all but the entry-level LX) features a digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen. And all models from the EX up have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration as standard.

The entry-level LX is a 7-seater; all other Odysseys seat eight. Two adults and a child can fit in the third row, which folds into the floor. Cargo space runs from 32.8 to 158 cubic feet.

Styling revisions for 2021 keep the Honda Odyssey looking fresh. The grille has been tweaked and is now flanked by LED headlights in all trims. The tail end has also received a little attention.

The base LX trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The top Elite version has redesigned 19-inch alloy wheels and self-dimming side mirrors.

MAGIC SLIDE SEATS
For added convenience, the Odyssey’s 2nd-row seats slide forward and back or side to side. This allows siblings to sit in one row while keeping a convenient central path to access the rearmost row. For improved access to an infant in a child safety seat, the center seat can be moved all the way forward.

HONDAVAC
The onboard vacuum in the 2021 Odyssey remains as convenient as ever. Available as standard equipment in the Elite trim, the HondaVac makes quick work of spilled Cheerios or Goldfish crackers.

As well as those LED headlights, the revamped 2021 Odyssey also gains the Honda Sensing array of safety features as standard throughout the range. This now includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assistance.

Every version has a 3.5-liter V6 engine connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission, push-button ignition, power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, and rear privacy glass. The Odyssey EX (and above) provides accommodation for eight, Magic Slide 2nd-row seats, power-sliding side doors, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Honda prefers its customers to obtain more equipment by moving up to higher trim levels rather than make option packages available. Many buyers will appreciate a powered tailgate, which comes in the EX-L model and also has leather seating surfaces.

Front and rear parking sensors, navigation, CabinWatch and CabinTalk (to help you keep your eyes and ears on your kids), 3rd-row USB port and sunshades, plus wireless hotspot capability all come in at the Touring level. The range-topping Elite gets heated and ventilated front seats, HondaVAC onboard vacuum cleaner,  rain-sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, ambient LED cabin lighting, perforated leather, wireless charging, a better audio system, a hands-free power tailgate, and bigger wheels.

No need to agonize over engine choices, the 2021 Odyssey comes solely with a 3.5-liter V6 sending 280 horsepower to the front wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. This setup runs just fine on 87-octane regular gasoline. An engine stop/start feature when idling and automatic cylinder deactivation (shutting off three cylinders under light load) help to save some fuel.

3.5-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
262 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28 mpg