2025 Honda Odyssey – Still the Minivan to Beat?

The minivan market may not get the same attention as crossovers and SUVs, but for families who prioritize space, comfort, and versatility, few vehicles do the job better. The 2025 Honda Odyssey continues to deliver on that promise, offering a tried-and-true V6 powertrain, flexible interior features, and the kind of thoughtful touches that make everyday driving with kids easier. While the current generation hasn’t changed dramatically in recent years, it remains one of the most practical and polished minivans on the market — especially in top-tier Elite trim.

Classic Styling, Smart Interior

From the outside, the 2025 Odyssey maintains its clean, understated look. It’s sleek for a minivan, with smooth body lines, LED headlights, and a slightly aggressive front fascia. It may not be as bold as something like the Kia Carnival, but it’s refined and undeniably functional.

Inside, the Odyssey shines where it matters most — usability and comfort. Seating for seven or eight (depending on configuration), Magic Slide second-row seats, and easy-access third-row options make loading kids or cargo a breeze. In the Elite trim, the cabin is loaded with premium materials, contrast stitching, and a long list of creature comforts designed to make road trips easier and everyday errands smoother.

Powertrain and Performance

All 2025 Odyssey models come with a single, well-tested setup:

• 3.5-liter V6 engine
  
• 280 horsepower / 262 lb-ft of torque
  
• 10-speed automatic transmission
  
• Front-wheel drive (no AWD option)
  
• EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
  

While competitors like the Toyota Sienna have gone all-in on hybrid powertrains, Honda sticks with its V6 for confident acceleration and smooth operation — especially under load or on the highway.

Tech and Features

Honda continues to equip the Odyssey with thoughtful tech, especially in the Elite trim, which includes:

• 10.2-inch rear entertainment system
  
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  
• Built-in navigation
  
• CabinWatch® and CabinTalk® interior camera/mic system
  
• 11-speaker premium audio system
  
• Heated and ventilated front seats
  
• Power tailgate with hands-free access
  
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
  
• Wi-Fi hotspot capability
  

The Odyssey also comes with Honda Sensing®, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Pricing (Estimated MSRP)

Here’s a general pricing breakdown for the 2025 Honda Odyssey:

• EX: ~$39,000
  
• Sport: ~$41,000
  
• EX-L: ~$42,500
  
• Touring: ~$45,500
  
• Elite: ~$50,000
  

The Elite trim represents the top end of the lineup, competing directly with fully loaded versions of the Kia Carnival and Chrysler Pacifica.

First Drive Impressions at the Texas Auto Roundup

At this year’s Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Auto Roundup, I had the chance to get back behind the wheel of the 2025 Honda Odyssey Elite. As someone who owns a Kia Carnival, it was great to revisit the Odyssey and see how it compares. While the overall design and interior layout felt very familiar — honestly, not much seems to have changed over the past several years — it still delivers a smooth, quiet ride with a no-nonsense approach to family hauling. The Magic Slide second-row seats remain a clever feature, and the third-row access is easy when the center seat is removed. If you’re shopping for a minivan that prioritizes comfort, usability, and reliability, the Odyssey still deserves a strong look.

Check out my video from the event for more impressions of the 2025 Odyssey Elite, and stay tuned to TXGarage for more first-drive coverage from the Auto Roundup!