Auto review by Veeno Dewan
The much-loved Honda Odyssey has always been the Minivan to beat in this sector and for 2025 the Honda Odyssey is the fifth generation of this classic 7–8-seater passenger Minivan. The Odyssey is an updated model for 2025 with edgier styling, a more luxurious cabin and increased standard features and technology improvements. First up, on the exterior, there is a new grille, and redesigned front and rear fascias. There is even a touch of the Acura NSX Super car in the rear lights design. Other exterior changes include new wheel designs. The premium top flight Black Edition, (As tested) has new black 19-inch alloys, red interior ambient lighting, wireless charging, CabinWatch™* rear seat monitor, a hands-free power tailgate with programmable height, and Black Edition seat piping, floor mats and special exterior badges.
The single engine choice for all models is a Honda’s 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC® V6 engine, with 280 horsepower and with torque at 262 lb/ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trim levels except the top line Touring, which has the 10-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Unlike its competitors, the Odyssey isn’t available with all-wheel drive or with a hybrid powertrain for now.
The 2025 Odyssey is available in four trim levels: Sport, Sport-L, Touring and Black Edition. As standard features include Wireless Charging Pad, and Navigation system, power-adjustable front seats (8-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger), and active noise cancellation. The 2025 Honda Odyssey model comes in 4 trim levels: Sport ($49,920), Sport-L ( $52,920), Sport Touring ($58,320), Black Edition ($60,120). Freight and PDI is $2,000.
The 2025 technology updates include a new fully configurable digital display and a larger 9-inch colour touchscreen with faster functionality. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and extra USB-C ports throughout the cabin. In addition, there are major improvements to the rear entertainment system, with more functions and larger 12.8-inch high-resolution screens, one of the largest in its sector. The top trim versions offer packages with 11-speaker Surround Sound Display & Controls, Voice Activating System Audio, Phone, Navigation, Climate Control, Satellite Radio, Hard Drive, Rear Entertainment System, HDMI, Wireless Headphones, and In-car WiFi Network. Other packages offer 19-inch wheels. Leather seats, CabinWatch™ day/night video monitor, Cabin- Talk™ in-car PA system, 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi, hands-free power tailgate, ventilated front seats, and LED accent lighting.
A roomy, comfortable, and versatile interior occupant room are the major selling points and the most attractive feature of the Odyssey. There are twin power operated side doors and a low step-in height to allow easy access. The Magic Slide 2nd-row seats™ is an excellent feature and offers multiple seating options. The second-row middle seat are removable and with an Easy Access mode allows the outboard seats to slide laterally through five selectable positions, creating more access and variable seating. The Super mode seating option allows for excellent walk-in access to the third row, With the rearmost row upright, there is 929 Litres of cargo space behind the hatch, stowing the third-row results in 2,452 L of cargo room. While the second-row seats do not fold into the floor, removing them from the Touring trim offers 3,973 L of total space. Also note, the third row can be stored easily and seamlessly into the floor when more cargo room is required.
Safety features continue to remain good, all 2025 Odyssey trims arrive with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, including Collision Mitigation Braking System with forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation with lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and pedestrian emergency braking.
On the road, the 2025 Honda Odyssey offers top class performance You can thank the smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, for making more use of the engines power and helping to improve fuel economy. As usual its a quiet, comfortable, very pleasant experience driving the Odyssey. However, it is a large vehicle to park, but the big windows, high driving position and a rear backup camera does help in this regard. NRCan, figures give the V6-powered Odyssey fuel economy rating of 12.2 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway and 10.6 combined.
I am continually impressed by each generation of the Honda Odyssey. And this opinion continues. It is good- looking, roomy, plush, and very well-equipped with many luxury touches, plus a flexible cabin and good safety. Not many negatives; The Honda Odyssey is the Minivan with the best reputation in this sector and deserves your attention if a large family hauler is what you need. ¬ Highly recommended.
2025 Honda Odyssey (MSRP) starting $49,920 to $60,120 .Black Edition for $59,970.
Freight and PDI $2,000
More info at www.honda.ca.
