Which Honda Odyssey Version Should You Buy?
The Honda Odyssey choice depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or a simpler older specification. Across the supplied catalogue, the minivan spans seven generation entries from October 1994 onward, including fifth-generation restylings. The clearest economy choice is the fifth-generation restyling 2 2.0 CVT Hybrid, rated at 5.0 l/100 km combined.
The Honda Odyssey choice depends on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, AWD, or a simpler older specification. Across the supplied catalogue, the minivan spans seven generation entries from October 1994 onward, including fifth-generation restylings. The clearest economy choice is the fifth-generation restyling 2 2.0 CVT Hybrid, rated at 5.0 l/100 km combined. The strongest listed version is the fifth-generation restyled 3.5 AT with 284 hp and 355 Nm, while the quickest measured acceleration is also its 7.4-second run from 0 to 100 km/h. Buyers seeking AWD can find it with 2.2-, 2.3-, 2.4-, and 3.0-litre engines, depending on generation.
Honda Odyssey generations: what changed?
The first generation, produced from October 1994 through November 1999, is a Minivan with eight listed versions. It offers 2.2 AT, 2.3 AT, and 3.0 AT configurations, with FWD or AWD depending on the version. Output runs from 145 hp to 200 hp, every version uses an Automatic gearbox, and all have four forward gears.
The second generation, produced from December 1999 through September 2003, is a Minivan with eight versions. Its range includes 2.3 AT, 2.4 AT, 2.4 CVT, and 3.0 AT. Power spans 150–210 hp. The generation introduces five-speed Automatic versions and a Variable gearbox alongside four-speed Automatic configurations, while retaining both FWD and AWD choices.
The third generation, produced from October 2003 through September 2008, is a Minivan with four versions. All use a 2354 cc Gasoline inline-four engine, but outputs range from 160 hp to 200 hp. Buyers can choose 2.4 CVT with FWD or one of the 2.4 AT versions with FWD or AWD.
The fourth generation, produced from October 2008 through October 2013, is a Minivan with five versions. Its 2.4 AT and 2.4 CVT four-cylinder choices produce 173 hp or 201 hp, while the 3.5 AT produces 240 hp. Five-speed Automatic, Variable, FWD, and AWD specifications are represented.
The fifth generation begins in November 2013 and has seven initial versions, followed by restyling stages starting in January 2018 and September 2020. The initial range covers the Hybrid 2.0 CVT, several Gasoline 2.4 CVT configurations, and a 3.5 AT. The January 2018 restyling lists one 3.5 AT with 284 hp. Restyling 2 lists four versions: 2.0 CVT, two 2.4 CVT choices distinguished by FWD and AWD, and 3.5 AT.
Honda Odyssey engine specs and version comparison
| Generation / version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders / layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.2 AT, 145 hp, FWD | 145 hp | 196 Nm | 2156 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 2.2 AT, 145 hp, AWD | 145 hp | 196 Nm | 2156 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, 2.2 AT, 150 hp, FWD | 150 hp | 198 Nm | 2155 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 2.2 AT, 150 hp, AWD | 150 hp | 198 Nm | 2155 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, 2.3 AT, 150 hp, FWD | 150 hp | 204 Nm | 2253 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 2.3 AT, 150 hp, AWD | 150 hp | 204 Nm | 2253 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First, 3.0 AT, FWD | 200 hp | 264 Nm | 2997 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First, 3.0 AT, AWD | 200 hp | 265 Nm | 2997 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 2.3 AT, FWD | 150 hp | 206 Nm | 2253 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 2.3 AT, AWD | 150 hp | 206 Nm | 2253 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 160 hp | 160 hp | 218 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 2.4 CVT | 160 hp | 218 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 228 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 232 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, FWD | 210 hp | 270 Nm | 2997 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT, AWD | 210 hp | 270 Nm | 2997 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2.4 CVT | 160 hp | 218 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 160 hp | 160 hp | 218 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 228 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 232 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 2.4 AT, 173 hp | 173 hp | 222 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, 2.4 CVT | 173 hp | 222 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fourth, 2.4 AT, 201 hp, FWD | 201 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fourth, 2.4 AT, 201 hp, AWD | 201 hp | 220 Nm | 2354 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth, 3.5 AT | 240 hp | 324 Nm | 3471 cc | Gasoline | 6 / Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 CVT | 145 hp | 175 Nm | 1993 cc | Hybrid | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT, 175 hp, FWD | 175 hp | 225 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT, 175 hp, AWD | 175 hp | 225 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT, 185 hp, FWD | 185 hp | 235 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT, 185 hp, AWD | 185 hp | 235 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.4 CVT, 190 hp | 190 hp | 237 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth, 3.5 AT | 248 hp | 339 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth restyling, 3.5 AT | 284 hp | 355 Nm | 3471 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 9-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 2.0 CVT | 145 hp | 175 Nm | 1993 cc | Hybrid | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 2.4 CVT, FWD | 175 hp | 225 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 2.4 CVT, AWD | 175 hp | 225 Nm | 2356 cc | Gasoline | 4 / Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling 2, 3.5 AT | 280 hp | 355 Nm | 3471 cc | Gasoline | 6 / V-shaped | No | 10-speed Automatic | FWD |
Power density highlights the stronger engines without inventing a subjective ranking. The fifth-generation 190 hp 2.4 CVT produces about 80.6 hp per litre, compared with about 74.3 hp per litre for the 175 hp 2.4 CVT. The 284 hp restyled 3.5 AT reaches about 81.8 hp per litre, while the restyling 2 3.5 AT produces about 80.7 hp per litre.
Honda Odyssey performance and fuel economy
The fifth-generation restyled 3.5 AT is the quickest measured version: 0–100 km/h takes 7.4 seconds. The initial fifth-generation Hybrid 2.0 CVT takes 8.8 seconds, while the fifth-generation 190 hp 2.4 CVT takes 10.2 seconds. Among fourth-generation choices, the 3.5 AT takes 9.0 seconds, the 201 hp FWD 2.4 AT takes 9.2 seconds, and the corresponding AWD version takes 10.1 seconds. That is a 0.9-second difference between those equal-power fourth-generation FWD and AWD versions.
For most versions, top speed is not measured. A top speed of 180 km/h is recorded for the first-generation 145 hp and 150 hp 2.2 AT versions, the second-generation 2.4 CVT, and the third-generation 2.4 CVT. Any other top-speed figure is not measured.
The restyling 2 Hybrid 2.0 CVT records 5.2 l/100 km in the city, 4.6 l/100 km on the highway, and 5.0 l/100 km combined. Its restyling 2 Gasoline 2.4 CVT uses 10.9/6.7/7.8 l/100 km with FWD and 11.2/7.1/8.2 l/100 km with AWD. AWD therefore adds 0.3 l/100 km in the city, 0.4 on the highway, and 0.4 combined.
The fifth-generation restyled 3.5 AT records 12.4/8.4/10.7 l/100 km. Restyling 2 lists 12.4/8.4/7.8 l/100 km for its 3.5 AT. These figures are reported exactly as supplied. Where consumption is absent for another version, it is not measured.
Honda Odyssey dimensions, weight, tank, and wheel specs
The catalogue does not provide exterior length, width, height, or wheelbase for any version; these dimensions are not measured. Kerb weight, ground clearance, tank size, gross weight, and wheel sizes are available selectively.
Among fifth-generation restyling 2 choices, the 2.0 CVT weighs 1890 kg, the FWD 2.4 CVT weighs 1820 kg, the AWD 2.4 CVT weighs 1840 kg, and the 3.5 AT weighs 1977 kg. Each has 145 mm ground clearance. The 2.0 CVT and both 2.4 CVT versions have a 55-litre tank; the 3.5 AT has a 73-litre tank. Gross weight is not measured for all four.
The restyling 2 3.5 AT lists 215/60 R17, 235/60 R18, and 235/55 R19 wheel sizes. The initial fifth-generation 3.5 AT lists 215/60 R16 and 235/60 R18. Wheel sizes for the remaining versions are not measured.
Weight per horsepower helps compare the fifth-generation choices. The restyling 2 Hybrid 2.0 CVT carries about 13.0 kg per hp, the FWD 2.4 CVT about 10.4 kg per hp, the AWD 2.4 CVT about 10.5 kg per hp, and the 3.5 AT about 7.1 kg per hp. The restyled 284 hp 3.5 AT, at 1975 kg, is lighter by 2 kg and more powerful by 4 hp than the restyling 2 280 hp 3.5 AT.
Which Honda Odyssey version should you buy?
Choose the fifth-generation restyling 2 2.0 CVT if measured fuel use is the priority. Its 5.0 l/100 km combined result is 2.8 l/100 km below the FWD 2.4 CVT and 3.2 l/100 km below the AWD 2.4 CVT. The trade-off is 145 hp and 175 Nm, versus 175 hp and 225 Nm from either restyling 2 2.4 CVT.
Choose the restyling 2 FWD 2.4 CVT when you want the 175 hp Gasoline specification without AWD. Compared with its AWD counterpart, it is 20 kg lighter and uses 0.4 l/100 km less fuel combined. Choose the AWD 2.4 CVT when AWD is the decisive requirement; its engine output, torque, displacement, gearbox, tank capacity, and ground clearance match the FWD version.
Choose the fifth-generation restyled 3.5 AT when measured acceleration matters most. Its 284 hp and 355 Nm accompany the catalogue’s fastest 0–100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds. Choose the restyling 2 3.5 AT if you prefer the listed 10-speed Automatic specification: it has 280 hp and the same 355 Nm, while acceleration is not measured.
Among older Odysseys, the fourth-generation 201 hp FWD 2.4 AT offers the strongest measured four-cylinder acceleration at 9.2 seconds. The fourth-generation 3.5 AT is 0.2 seconds quicker and adds 39 hp and 104 Nm, but its fuel consumption is not measured. For an older AWD option, the fourth-generation 201 hp 2.4 AT takes 10.1 seconds; the 173 hp AWD 2.4 AT takes 11.4 seconds, so the stronger version is 1.3 seconds quicker.
A used Honda Odyssey should therefore be selected by its exact generation, version name, power, and drive system—not by the badge alone. Identically named versions can differ materially: fifth-generation 2.4 CVT models range from 175 hp to 190 hp, while first-generation 2.2 AT versions range from 145 hp to 150 hp. Prices, sale listings, maintenance problems, reliability data, and model-year claims outside the supplied production dates are not measured in this catalogue.