If there’s one minivan that’s synonymous with hassle-free family life, it’s the Honda Odyssey—and for 2026, that vibe is stronger than ever. Honda’s people-mover returns this year pretty much unchanged, leaning on its legendary reputation for comfort, flexibility, and solid value. Is it the flashiest in the class? Not at all. But if you want a minivan that makes every school run and road trip feel easy, the Odyssey still hits the mark.
Let’s dig into why this classic keeps its spot at the top—plus where it lands against newer, hybrid-happy rivals.
Carryover Looks, Big-Hearted V6
The Odyssey’s exterior remains familiar for 2026—think sleek but understated versus the more adventurous shapes from Kia or Chrysler. It’s a look designed for blend-in comfort, with sliding doors, LED lighting, and up to 19-inch alloy wheels on higher trims. No one’s going to mistake it for an SUV, but it owns its minivan honesty like a badge of pride.
Pop the hood and Honda delivers its steadfast 3.5L V6 making 280hp and 262lb-ft of torque. The only transmission? A smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic that keeps things peppy yet relaxed. If you’re hauling a full crew or a load of garden supplies, the Odyssey doesn’t break a sweat. Want to tow? You still get up to 3,500lbs of capacity—great for small campers or fishing boats.
Real-World Efficiency (But No Hybrid…Yet)
Honda’s V6 is a charmer—silky, strong, and reasonably thrifty, with fuel economy around 19mpg city and 28mpg highway (think 9–10L/100km in mixed driving)[1][4]. Not bad for such a big family hauler, but it trails hybrid-only competitors like Toyota Sienna and Kia’s hybrid Carnival. Honda fans hoping for an electrified Odyssey will have to wait until at least 2027, when a new generation hybrid is rumored to land.
Cabin: Comfort and Clever Tricks
Step inside and life gets easy. The Odyssey seats up to eight, with the signature “Magic Slide” second-row seats that slide side-to-side or fore-aft—perfect for shuffling siblings or reaching that dropped snack. Second- and third-row space remains best-in-class, so even adults won’t complain on those cross-country drives.
Cargo room is huge, with a flat-folding third row and near-flat second-row setup. It’s ideal for family vacations, hardware runs, or moving day. Fit and finish are solid—higher trims get leather and plush touches, but every Odyssey feels thoughtfully put together.
Tech: All the Essentials, Stacked for Families
2026 Honda Odyssey roll with a sharp 9-inch touchscreen (up from the old 8-inch), wireless smartphone mirroring, and charging. Family keepers like the CabinTalk in-car PA (speak to the way-back from up front) and CabinWatch camera (for eyes on sleeping kiddos) are standard on Touring and Elite. Kids (and parents) will love the upgraded 12.8-inch rear seat entertainment, HDMI port relocation, USB-C everywhere, and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Navigation, premium audio, and loads of outlets make road trips a breeze.
Safety? Honda Sense is standard—automatic emergency braking, lane keep, adaptive cruise, blind spot monitor, and more. Rear-seat reminders and LATCH anchors keep everyone safe, and visibility is excellent thanks to huge windows.
The Drive: Smooth, Calm, and Quieter Than Most
Honda’s secret sauce is tuning the Odyssey for comfort but giving it a dash of sportiness. Steering is light but precise, and ride quality is plush—never floaty or bouncy (better than many rivals, reviewers say). Road and wind noise are both minimal, even at highway speeds. The only downside? Still only front-wheel-drive, so winter warriors may want to check out AWD rivals.
Pricing and Trims: More for Your Money?
Honda edges prices up slightly for 2026, but keeps things competitive. Here’s how it stacks up:
- EX-L: $42,795
- Sport-L: $43,895
- Touring: $47,495
- Elite: $51,695
It’s no longer the cheapest minivan, with rivals undercutting it—especially those with hybrid options (Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival). But standard equipment, tech, and Honda’s resale value make the Odyssey a smart long-term play.
Final Thoughts: Still the Family First Choice?
The Odyssey may not boast the hybrid scores, freshest design, or lowest sticker. But it nails the things that matter: comfort, space, smart features, and proven Honda reliability. If you want the ultimate no-drama, all-day-comfy family hauler, the Odyssey remains tough to top.
It’s not the flashiest or the greenest—but if your checklist reads “happy kids, easy driving, zero fuss,” this minivan is ready for another year at the top of the best-seller list. Test drive it against the hybrids if mileage matters, but for pure family function and old-school peace of mind, the Odyssey is still king.