2025 Honda Odyssey Elite; Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Performance That Puts Other Minivans to Shame

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

When I was a kid, 10-speed road bicycles were all the rage. Now we have a Honda Odyssey - the quintessential minivan no less - fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission. And just like those first-generation road bikes, you can flip your Honda shifts with manually operated paddles. Better yet, the van's gearbox is connected to one of the last 3.5 liter V6 engines you can still buy from Honda. Under the black plastic sheathing that hides most of the motor from view lies a sophisticated 280hp VTEC-valved powerplant. VTEC is an acronym derived from "Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control," a stellar valve actuation system developed by Honda primarily for use in such high-performance vehicles as the Civic Si and CRX, as well as the company's Acura NSX. Today, this 24-valve technology provides the rev-peaky surge powering the Odyssey minivan. Pared with that 10-speed transmission, Honda's V6 Odyssey powers through the standing start quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 96mph, and lays down 0-60 mph runs of 6.5 seconds. So if you're looking for a family hauler that runs the quarter mile like a sports car, this Honda is your best bet.

It's also the best choice if you're in the market for a van that doesn't heel over like the Queen Mary when confronted with a sequence of switchback turns. To the contrary, the Elite level Odyssey we tested, which carries a base price of $50,880, depends on a rather sophisticated suspension system to get the backroad job done with a minimum of fuss. A reimagined-for-2025 set of 19 inch alloy rims support 235/55R19 Bridgestone Turanza EL 440 radials (TW 480) that compensate for a harsh ride by providing good stick and steering feedback when pressed through curves. The exceptional agility of the Odyssey is attributable to its suspension's fine-tuning, with a 26mm solid front sway bar and a 20mm tubular rear sway bar working hard to maintain chassis equilibrium. For such a lengthy 205.2" long bus, the Odyssey cuts a surprisingly tight turning circle of 39.64 feet. Adding to the driver's sense of control and agility is the sports car quick steering rack which requires just 2.97 turns to pivot from lock to lock.

Of course, you wouldn't be looking for a minivan to compete with a sports car. But it flatters the Odyssey that its performance puts other minivans to shame. However, the real reason you're shopping for a family bus is you need travel accommodations for 7 or 8. In that regard, Honda's happy hotel on wheels has your reservation confirmed. Up front, you'll find a pair of well-padded, heated, chilled and fully adjustable touring seats wrapped in leather. These chairs are divided by a center console ingeniously designed to hold stuff, hide stuff, and charge stuff all at the same time. Honda's interior designers refused to get carried away with the current industry compulsion to touchscreen all operational commands. As a result, you will find a fair number of physical buttons arrayed across the dash face that enable you to get the driving basics done without the need to avert your eyes from the road. While the front row of the Odyssey sticks with long proven control protocol, the second row seats break new ground with their "Magic Slide" technology which allows you to move them forward, backward and even sideways. In forum discussions, the Magic Slide is the most discussed and praised feature of the Odyssey, with enthusiastic supporters observing that such easy reconfiguration of the cabin facilitates entry and exit from the triple-seat third row. Additionally, the second-row chairs can be removed entirely, but bear in mind that since each weighs 68 pounds, they're a bit of a struggle to offload. Dispensing with the triple bench seat in row 3 is much easier since it folds up and stores itself in a receptacle beneath the floor. With all these configuration options, the Odyssey will supplant your need to own a school bus and a pickup truck, since it combines all both functions into a single unit.

For 2025, Honda has also made a number of improvements to the graphic user interfaces in the Odyssey. There's a new 7-inch digital display screen directly in front of the driver, a larger 9-inch touchscreen splayed above the dash, and a now standard flip down entertainment screen fitted for use by rear-seat passengers. Additionally, Honda has provided a new family-friendly cabin camera and public address system for use by supervising adults. The front armrest on the driver's side contains a button that will disable the operation of the sliding rear side doors by back seat occupants. However, these doors can be operated manually with a strong dose of arm muscle. Honda has never lost sight of the Odyssey's prime goal as a family mover with built in safeguards for parental oversight.

A mild facelift for '25 includes a new grill design, blacked-out fog lamp surrounds, and rear bumper reflectors pirated, along with VTEC, from the now-discontinued NSX hypercar. Our test Elite was finished in a new color for 2025 called Solar Silver Metallic that photographed spectacularly well in fading sunset light.

2025 HONDA ODYSSEY ELITE

• ENGINE: 3.5 liter VTEC V6 with Variable Cylinder management (VCM)
• HORSEPOWER: 280hp@6000rpm
• TORQUE: 262lb.-ft.@4700rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/28MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $52,275

HYPES: Logical Controls, Magic Slide Seats, VTEC V6

GRIPES: Can't See That Plastic-Covered Killer V6

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman