2021 Honda Odyssey Review: Reliable Minivan With Low Ownership Costs As It Ages

Alex Showalter
Apr 4, 2023

The 2021 Honda Odyssey lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor battery drain and paint fade issues reported. At $30,590 to $48,998, it’s expensive, but worth the money for a long-lasting minivan with a lot of technology.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The standard V6 engine is powerful for a minivan, there’s a lot of standard safety features and the cabin is very comfortable.
dislikeFilled The Bad
You have to remove the second row of seats to use all the cargo space, fuel economy is worse than other vans and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Honda Odyssey since it offers a ton of safety technology paired with a comfortable cabin. Owner reviews praise the spacious cabin, luxurious interior, along with the low ownership costs.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a minivan, the seats are comfortable on longer drives, cargo space is also excellent for its size.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious issues found on the 2021 Honda Odyssey. In general models from 20092022 are all reliable choices for shoppers.
  • Performance 7/10 – The standard V6 engine in the Odyssey is reasonably powerful for a minivan, although it’s still not very exciting to drive.
  • Safety 10/10 – The 2021 Odyssey is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, along with lane keep assist. Parking sensors are an optional upgrade.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, giving 429 miles of range from the 19.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $28 cheaper than other vans at $216 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – The 2021 Honda Odyssey is more expensive than some other vans, although slow depreciation makes it a good value.

What Do Critics Say About the Honda Odyssey?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2021 Honda Odyssey offers improvements in ride comfort with high owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Odyssey at 3.5/5, praising the configurable second-row seats, but doesn’t like the sensitive forward collision warning system.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Odyssey a 3.5/5, enjoying the excellent safety features, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.

What Common Problems Does the 2021 Honda Odyssey Have?

Common problems found on the 2021 Honda Odyssey include excessive battery drain, paint fade on the hood, along with a frozen stereo system. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other minivans from the same year, leading to low repair costs as the Odyssey ages.

Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Odyssey owners in the first 20,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Odyssey which sometimes drain the battery while the van is off. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs roughly $50, while fixing it can cost $5 to $150.

Paint fade on the hood is another complaint from 2021 Honda Odyssey owners at around 35,000 miles. Paint which is improperly cared for and left in direct sunlight will eventually start to fade. The only way to fix the problem is by repainting the affected area, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.

A frozen stereo system also shows up on some Honda Odyssey models in the first 1,500 miles. There are software updates for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install these software updates for free, while some charge around $50 in labor.

There is one recall on the 2021 Honda Odyssey, which is better than other minivans from the same year. The recall covers fuel tank overfilling into the charcoal canister. Honda will install a new canister on affected models for free.

How Long Will the 2021 Honda Odyssey Last?

A well-maintained 2021 Honda Odyssey can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other minivans according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $447 per year.

As a used 2021 Honda Odyssey reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the water pump for $700, the throttle body costing $500, along with the window regulator which costs around $330.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is okay on the entry-level LX model with a standard 5-inch central display screen. The EX- and higher models come with a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard safety technology is excellent offering:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Lane keep assist
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Rearview camera

Optional driver assistance features include

  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Is the 2021 Honda Odyssey a Good Value?

Yes, the 2021 Honda Odyssey is a good value since it’s reliable and features a lot of the latest safety and entertainment technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $30,590 to $48,998, making it more than a Kia Sedona or Chrysler Voyager. When new, the price range was $31,790 to $47,820. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 7% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Honda Odyssey?

There are five models of the 2021 Honda Odyssey offered from the base LX, the popular Honda Odyssey Touring, all the way up to the very luxurious Odyssey Elite. The Odyssey is only offered with front-wheel drive.

LX is the entry-level model with:

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Cloth Seats
  • LED Headlights
  • Push-Button Ignition
  • Automatic Climate Control
  • Power-Adjustable Front Seats
  • 5-Inch Central Display Screen
  • Seven-Speaker Sound System

EX is a step up, adding:

  • Remote Engine Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Power-Sliding Rear Doors
  • Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Second-Row Sunshades
  • 8-Inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Satellite Radio

EX-L adds features such as:

  • Sound-Reducing Windshield
  • Leather Seating
  • Sunroof
  • Power Liftgate
  • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
  • Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Second Row USB Charging Ports

Touring is a popular model with:

  • 19-Inch Wheels
  • Ambient Interior Lighting
  • Third-Row Sunshades
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Rear Seat Entertainment System
  • Wireless Headphones
  • Cabin Intercom System
  • CabinWatch Camera Monitoring System

Elite is the flagship model which adds:

  • Premium Leather Seating
  • Auto-Dimming Side Mirrors
  • Hands-Free Tailgate
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Ventilated Front Seats
  • Wireless Phone Charging Pad
  • Integrated Vacuum Cleaner
  • 11-Speaker Sound System

What Engines Come In the Honda Odyssey?

The engine found in the 2021 Honda Odyssey is a strong 3.5L V6 which makes 280 horsepower, which gets up to 22 MPG combined. It comes standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Performance is impressive for a minivan, taking only 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Honda Odyssey Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Honda Odyssey?

The 2021 Honda Odyssey stands out as one of the top choices for families seeking a comfortable and spacious minivan for their daily adventures and road trips alike. Designed with passengers in mind, the Odyssey provides a plush and serene environment for all occupants. The cabin is generously appointed with soft-touch materials and well-padded seats, guaranteeing that everyone enjoys a comfortable ride, even during long journeys.

One notable feature that enhances the Odyssey’s comfort is the Magic Slide second-row seats, which allow for easy customization of seating configurations and improved access to the third row. Furthermore, the available tri-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin at an ideal temperature for all passengers, while the optional heated and ventilated front seats provide an added level of luxury. With its quiet interior, advanced infotainment system, and ample legroom in all three rows, the 2021 Honda Odyssey sets the standard for comfort in the minivan segment.

How Much Storage Space Does the Honda Odyssey Have?

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a spectacular minivan that offers families not only a comfortable and safe driving experience, but also an impressive amount of storage space to cater to their diverse needs. With seating for up to eight passengers, this minivan boasts a total cargo capacity of a whopping 158 cubic feet when both the second and third-row seats are folded down.

Even with all the seats occupied, you still have access to an ample 32.8 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, perfect for stowing luggage, groceries, or sporting equipment. The Odyssey’s innovative Magic Slide second-row seats make it a breeze to reconfigure the interior space, giving you even more flexibility to accommodate both passengers and cargo.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fifth generation of the Honda Odyssey was launched for the 2018 model year.

2015: No changes from earlier years.

2016: New SE model introduced at a lower price point with some popular features from the Touring Elite model.

2017: Acoustic windshield available on SE and EX-L models.

2018: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new styling, technology, and more powerful engine.

2019: No major changes.

2020: Ten-speed automatic transmission now standard on all models.

2021: Small exterior styling changes, Honda Sensing Suite driver aids standard on all models.

How Does the Honda Odyssey Compare to the Competition?

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is one of the best minivans on the market since it’s very reliable, comfortable, and loaded with a lot of the latest technology making it a great choice for shoppers.

The Toyota Sienna is another minivan on the market, which costs about $2,500 more. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota Sienna, while the Honda Odyssey offers more responsive steering. Generally, we recommend the Toyota Sienna since it’s more reliable, although both are fantastic vans for the 2021 model year worth trying out.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a competitor available in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Chrysler Pacifica, while the Honda Odyssey offers more standard driver assistance features. We recommend the Honda Odyssey since they last longer and have fewer mechanical issues as they age.

Do Owners Recommend the Honda Odyssey?

messageEdit Write a Review
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.