In the minivan market, the reign of the traditional people-mover seems to be waning. Three-row SUVs and crossovers are increasingly the family car of choice, offering a blend of space, comfort, and capability that resonates with many buyers. However, some minivan manufacturers are determined to keep the segment alive by embracing new technologies.
Chrysler’s Pacifica, Kia’s Carnival, and Toyota’s Sienna have all introduced hybrid options, aiming to deliver minivan practicality with improved fuel efficiency. Bucking this trend is Honda, who has given its 2025 Odyssey a facelift while sticking with a familiar formula under the hood. The minivan retains the same 3.5-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission that powered the 2024 model.
This decision comes as a surprise to some, considering Honda has a reputation for innovation and their willingness to embrace electrification in other parts of their lineup. Contrary to Honda’s claim that the Odyssey is the undisputed king of minivans, a more nuanced picture emerges when examining combined retail and fleet sales figures for the first half of 2024.
With 70,882 units sold, the Chrysler Pacifica takes the crown, followed by the Odyssey at 39,257. Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival round out the segment with 32,868 and 21,083 deliveries respectively. Stepping inside the revamped 2025 Odyssey, we’re greeted with a focus on technological enhancements.
The rear entertainment system takes center stage with a sprawling 12.8-inch HD display, complete with an HDMI input cleverly integrated within the console for seamless media connection. Borrowing a design cue from its sportier Acura NSX sibling, the Odyssey’s rear fascia now incorporates stylish vertical reflectors.
Aesthetically, the exterior gets a refresh with revisions to the grille, bumper, and rear fascia, while the color palette welcomes two new members for 2025: Smoke Blue Pearl and Solar Silver Metallic. On the infotainment front, the Odyssey boasts a larger 9-inch unit with a more potent processor for a lag-free user experience.
Price adjustments are also part of the 2025 update. The EX-L trim level steps up as the new base model, starting at $41,920 when factoring in the destination fee. This replaces the previous EX trim, which offered a more budget-friendly entry point at $38,240 for the 2024 model year. Existing EX-L owners may notice a slight price bump, as the 2025 iteration carries a starting MSRP of $41,920 compared to 2024’s $41,310.
