2025 Honda Odyssey: A Last Hurrah for VTEC Power in a Family Minivan
In the 1990s, Honda’s VTEC system was more than just an engine technology—it became a symbol of performance and precision engineering that car enthusiasts held in high regard. The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system, which made its debut on the 1991 Acura NSX, allowed for a dramatic change in engine behavior. By utilizing multiple camshaft profiles, the system would shift to a higher-performance cam at high RPMs, delivering a burst of extra power when the engine demanded it. For many fans of Honda’s engineering prowess, the NSX, powered by VTEC, became a dream car—a halo vehicle that encapsulated the brand’s performance ethos.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Honda’s VTEC legacy has largely faded in the face of modern technology, with many automakers opting for more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient solutions. However, the Honda Odyssey, the brand’s stalwart minivan, remains one of the last vehicles to carry the torch for this iconic engine feature. The 2025 Odyssey continues to house the venerable 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with Honda’s classic VTEC technology, delivering both power and a uniquely engaging driving experience, even in a vehicle designed primarily for family transport.
This minivan, which has undergone a refresh for the 2025 model year, offers a fascinating mix of modern technology, family-friendly functionality, and old-school VTEC excitement. It’s a peculiar combination, but it’s one that works surprisingly well, providing a glimpse into a past where performance was not sacrificed for practicality. So, what exactly does this updated Odyssey bring to the table, and how does it hold up in a world of more efficient, less exuberant minivans?
The Engine That Keeps VTEC Alive
The heart of the 2025 Honda Odyssey remains its 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine utilizes a SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) design with a VTEC system that activates at 5350 rpm, providing a noticeable shift in engine note and performance. For those who remember the thrill of a VTEC-engaged engine, this is the real deal. As the engine hits higher revs, the intake valves open wider, allowing for a more aggressive cam profile that significantly improves performance. The result is a burst of power that comes with an unmistakable intake roar that is music to the ears of driving enthusiasts.
In terms of raw performance, the 2025 Odyssey impresses with its 6.4-second 0-60 mph time, making it the second-quickest minivan available today, just behind the electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The VTEC engine, when combined with the smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, provides an exhilarating experience, particularly when the throttle is floored, and the engine hits its high-rev zone. The moment when the Odyssey stays in VTEC during the fourth-to-fifth upshift, especially at speeds approaching 95 mph, is an Easter egg for the enthusiast in all of us. While it's unlikely that most Odyssey owners will experience this scenario, it’s a reminder of Honda’s commitment to performance, even in a family hauler.
Despite being a minivan, the Odyssey’s VTEC engine offers something of a thrill that is hard to find in other vehicles in this segment. The moment the engine transitions into VTEC, it’s as though the Odyssey transforms into something sportier. It’s this unexpected burst of performance that makes the Odyssey so appealing. Unlike the Pilot, Honda’s SUV that has adopted a more emissions-focused DOHC variant of the V-6, the Odyssey’s VTEC system provides a rare experience for those who appreciate the joy of driving.
Driving Dynamics: More Than Just a Family Hauler
Honda has long been known for its ability to infuse a certain level of sportiness into its vehicles, and the Odyssey is no exception. While minivans are typically not known for their handling prowess, the Odyssey proves that family vehicles can still be fun to drive. The steering in the Odyssey is surprisingly sharp, providing a level of responsiveness that makes it feel more agile than most vehicles in its class. The ride is firm and controlled, ensuring that the Odyssey remains stable at highway speeds without crossing into harshness. There is a noticeable improvement in the Odyssey’s chassis dynamics, which benefits from an incredibly stiff and rigid structure.
However, the Odyssey is not without its quirks. During previous testing, the minivan was measured at a 0.73-g skidpad figure, which is far from impressive. However, it’s important to note that the stability control system cannot be disabled, and it is quite intrusive during spirited driving, dampening the vehicle’s full potential on the skidpad. The brake pedal also feels a bit soft during the initial push, though this is a minor complaint when compared to the overall driving experience.
What is especially impressive about the Odyssey is how quiet it is at speed. With a measured 66 decibels at a steady 70 mph cruise, it’s the quietest minivan on the market. In fact, it even bests luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-class in terms of interior noise isolation. This makes the Odyssey a fantastic choice for long family road trips, where comfort and cabin serenity are paramount. When you plant the throttle and engage VTEC, however, the noise levels do rise, with the engine roar pushing the decibel levels up to 80 dB. But this noise is welcomed—it’s a satisfying reminder that the Odyssey is not just any run-of-the-mill minivan.
Interior: A Practical and Comfortable Family Space
The interior of the 2025 Honda Odyssey continues to focus on practicality and family comfort, which is what minivans do best. The cabin is spacious, with enough room for up to eight passengers. The third-row seats fold flat into the floor for maximum cargo flexibility, while the second-row seats offer a unique feature that sets the Odyssey apart from its competitors: they slide both fore-aft and side-to-side. This allows parents to place a child in the center of the vehicle, making it easier for them to interact with the front passenger seat. It’s these small touches that demonstrate Honda’s attention to detail when designing a family vehicle.
The 2025 refresh brings a few changes to the interior, including a larger 9.0-inch center touchscreen, which offers improved processing power for better responsiveness. Additionally, the Odyssey now comes with a 7.0-inch display that sits within the gauge cluster, offering useful information alongside the physical speedometer. While the updates are appreciated, the overall interior doesn’t quite reach the luxurious heights of some of its competitors, such as the Kia Carnival. The materials used in the Odyssey’s cabin are decent, but they’re not as rich or high-end as what you might find in some of the pricier minivan options. There’s also a lack of features such as ventilated second-row seats or premium interior color options, which may be a drawback for those seeking a more refined experience.
One notable improvement is the availability of USB ports in the third row. In the 2025 Odyssey, all but the base trim now offer two additional USB ports in the rear, ensuring that passengers in the back can keep their devices charged on longer trips. The lack of wayback connectivity in the base trim may be a disappointment for some, but this is a minor issue considering the improvements made in the higher trims.
2025 Odyssey Updates and Price
The 2025 Honda Odyssey brings a few notable changes, though they are largely incremental. Honda has dropped the base EX trim, meaning that all Odysseys now come with leather seats and the new 9.0-inch touchscreen. There are also new wheel designs in both 18- and 19-inch sizes, and the front fascia features more black trim for a slightly sportier look. The rear bumper now incorporates vertical reflectors inspired by the second-generation NSX, adding a touch of performance flair to the van’s design.
Pricing for the 2025 Odyssey starts at $52,275, which is a slight increase of $3680 due to the removal of the EX trim. Compared to last year, the price increase for the same trims is between $510 and $1110, which reflects the added features and updates.
The top-tier trims, Touring and Elite, come with a rear-entertainment system featuring a larger 12.8-inch screen. The built-in DVD player has been replaced with modern streaming options, though the Odyssey still retains a sliding-console compartment that’s sized perfectly for holding DVD cases. These updates further solidify the Odyssey’s family-friendly nature while maintaining a sense of fun.
Fuel Economy: Not the Best, But Not the Worst
While the Odyssey’s VTEC engine provides plenty of power, it does come with some trade-offs in terms of fuel economy. The Odyssey’s EPA ratings are 22 mpg combined, with 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In Car and Driver’s 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Odyssey averaged 28 mpg, which is just a single mile per gallon less than the Kia Carnival Hybrid. The Odyssey’s fuel economy is far from the best in its segment, especially when compared to the more efficient hybrid minivans, but it is still competitive, especially given its performance credentials.
A Final Look at the Odyssey’s Legacy
The 2025 Honda Odyssey is a minivan that punches above its weight in terms of both performance and practicality. Its VTEC engine, though showing signs of age, still offers a thrilling driving experience that is rarely found in this class. The Odyssey’s handling dynamics, quiet cabin, and family-friendly features make it a standout choice for those in need of a practical family vehicle that doesn’t compromise on driving enjoyment.
However, with the Odyssey now seven years into its fifth generation, it’s likely that this will be the last major update before an all-new model arrives in the coming years. There’s speculation that the next-generation Odyssey may adopt a hybrid powertrain and possibly switch to the newer DOHC V-6 engine found in the Pilot, which would mark the end of the VTEC era for the minivan. For now, though, the 2025 Odyssey serves as a bittersweet reminder of a time when Honda’s VTEC engines were a key part of the brand’s performance identity.
Verdict: An Oldie, But Still a Goodie
The 2025 Honda Odyssey proves that a minivan doesn’t have to be dull and uninspiring. With its potent VTEC V-6 engine, responsive handling, and family-friendly features, it remains a top contender in the minivan segment. While its days may be numbered, the Odyssey still offers a driving experience that enthusiasts can appreciate, making it an old favorite worth cherishing a little longer.
