Okay, here is what we are not going to do for this 2025 Honda Odyssey Black Edition review: we are not going to talk about how everyone in North America has fallen out of love with good ol’ minivans, because we believe that is far from the truth. If you look around any grocery store parking lot in any suburban neighbourhood, you will notice there is actually way more love for these practical do-it-alls than we’ve been led to believe by popular culture, and sometimes even automakers themselves. Honda, who has held a stronghold in this segment for decades, continues to recognize the Odyssey’s importance and recently offered up a mildly refreshed version to bridge the gap until the next generation arrives.
What’s new outside?
From the outside, the changes are rather subtle, where only keen-eyed observers will notice the updated front grille and bumpers. Our Black Edition gains a host of black exterior garnish and a set of black 19-inch alloy wheels that pops nicely against the Radiant Red metallic paint that’s exclusive to this trim. While we still like the Odyssey’s sporty looks, we think that it is definitely overdue for a complete redesign; partly due to the fact that the current generation has been around since 2018, and partly due to just how many of Odysseys we see on the streets every day – a victim of their own success for sure.
What’s new inside?
The interior has also seen a slight makeover with several new screens: a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, a nine-inch touchscreen display on the centre console, as well as a class-leading 12.8-inch screen for the rear passengers. We noted improved resolution and faster infotainment response to make the already user-friendly infotainment system even better to use.
The Honda Odyssey is popular not only for its excellent practicality, but also for how well equipped it is versus most similarly priced vehicles. Our fully-loaded sample includes climate-controlled front seats, hands-free power tailgate, premium stereo, and a full suite of Honda Sensing driver-assistive technologies such as Collision Mitigation Braking with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation systems.
What’s under the hood?
Powered by the same tried-and-true 3.5-litre V6 engine that Honda’s been using for years, the Honda Odyssey can keep up with traffic with relative ease, and is nearly imperceptible on highway at cruising speed. Output is rated at 280-horsepower, which may not sound like a lot in this day and age, but it definitely feels the sportiest of all the minivans in the market with lively responses and decent handling prowess. You know full well where your front wheels are pointing – a surprisingly tall feat nowadays – and as long as you stay within city limits, the Odyssey is actually a rewarding machine to row especially knowing that you have seven others in tow.
How much space is there?
The main reason everyone likes a minivan is for its interior space and the Odyssey certainly does not disappoint. While every occupant can comfortably rest inside the cabin, its interior space pales when compared to the Toyota Sienna or the Kia Carnival especially when it comes to legroom in the second row. Cargo space is rated at 929 litres behind the third row and opens up to a maximum of 3,973 litres with the third row stowed away and second row removed. Those who are looking to tow will be able to do so up to a maximum of 3,500 pounds.
How efficient is it?
Fuel consumption for the 2025 Honda Odyssey is also unchanged, with an official estimate of 12.2L/100km in the city and 8.5L/100km on the highway for an average of 10.6L/100km. Our observed figure came in at a higher than expected 12.5L/100km for our city-heavy commute, but we know that is an anomaly as we have observed figures closer to the posted numbers before. Regular fuel is accepted for its 73.8-litre tank.
Wrap it up
Base price of the Honda Odyssey is set at $51,420 and our range topping Black Edition model rings in at $60,120. Despite being 8 years into this current generation, there is still a lot of value in the Honda Odyssey, and the latest refresh had just bought them another year or two before the all-new one is ready.
