Road Test: 2025 Honda Odyssey

When driving a minivan doesn’t feel like you are driving a bulky family hauler, that’s a sure sign of a successful vehicle.

That was my experience recently behind the wheel of the redesigned 2025 Hoda Odyssey Black Edition, one of the few minivans left on the market given the rise of the SUV. Nonetheless, Honda made sure that the Odyssey can put up a good fight against other vehicle types, even those within the Honda stable.

The good-looking Odyssey is available in four trims, with the Sport starting at around $52,000, while the top trim being our tester, which as tested has a final price tag of $62,996.90. The only add-on to the base price was $754 for the Protection package of all-weather mats.

The Black Edition features some unique features like the Black Edition badging, red interior ambient lighting, Honda Sensing Technologies and more.

Powertrain: The Odyssey has a very good engine under the hood, but the lack of a hybrid option does put it at a disadvantage compared to some other models in the segment.

The front-wheel drive Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine, a smooth powertrain that is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

With 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, it has plenty of pep to deliver an enjoyable feel on the road.

I wasn’t able to match the estimated 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres fuel economy average, coming in at 12.6 L/100 km after my week with it. The lack of the hybrid option really hurts it in this respect.

The Odyssey, when properly equipped, has a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, in addition to the cargo area inside the vehicle.

Exterior: Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Odyssey features a new appearance that includes a new front grille with larger black fog light surrounds. The front and rear fascias give the minivan a wider appearance, with the back bumper incorporating vertical reflectors that Honda says are the same as those from the second-generation Acura NSX supercar.

Unique Black Edition exterior features include a gloss black spoiler with integrated brake light, and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels which are painted black.

Interior: Unique features continue inside, with Black Edition red contrast piping on the leather and leatherette seats, with the two front seats being heated and cooled.

The Odyssey can seat up to eight, and Honda makes that seating as flexible as possible thanks to the Magic Slide second-row, and one-motion 60/40 split third-row magic seat.

The cabin also has some technology upgrades in the cabin, including a new seven-inch digital instrument display that is standard, featuring an all-digital tachometer on the left and a physical speedometer on the right. The display also includes user-selectable functions, such as Honda Sensing settings, vehicle information and more.

The cabin is both functional and comfortable, offering lots of space for passengers even when all seats are in use, as well as lots of storage space depending on your configuration.

Infotainment: The redesigned Odyssey received a new 9-inch colour touchscreen, which in the Black Edition includes navigation and satellite radio. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, both wired and wireless.

The trim features an upgraded audio system, with 11 speaking, including a subwoofer.

For rear occupants, the Odyssey has an entertainment system that has a 12.8-inch, HDMI interface with USB-A and headphone jacks in the third row. Honda has moved the HDMI plug to the inside of the console, allowing a place to store streaming devices safely.

Drive: As mentioned off the top, the Odyssey does not drive like a minivan. While not the most powerful engine, the way it is tuned and matched by the transmission settings result in a powertrain that is smooth, efficient and always ready when needed. While the steering feel is light, the overall driving experience in the Odyssey is confident and well balanced. The suspension setup delivers a comfortable ride to all occupants, and the cabin is also a very quiet environment, enhancing the enjoyment on the open road.

Conclusion: Having experienced the Odyssey over a few generations, it’s always been a vehicle that delivered a positive experience. The 2025 Black Edition does that and more, and it also does it in style with exterior enhancements and cabin features. The lack of a hybrid and only offered in front-wheel drive versions could have some consumers shy away from the model, however.

2025 Honda Odyssey Black Edition
Price as tested: $62,996.90
Freight: $2,000.00
Configuration: Front engine/Front-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6/ 10-speed automatic
Power/torque: 280 horsepower/ 262 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (73.8 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 10.6 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 12.6 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Chrysler Pacifica, Kia Carnival, Toyota Sienna
Links: Honda Canada