In the 2016 model year, the Honda Odyssey is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive; there was no all-wheel-drive option.
Drivetrain configuration of the 2016 Odyssey
The Odyssey’s drivetrain is front-wheel drive (FWD) across all trims. It pairs with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering the minivan’s familiar balance of space, efficiency, and performance. Honda did not provide an AWD version of the 2016 Odyssey, unlike some of its SUVs such as the Pilot or CR-V.
Key facts about the 2016 Odyssey drivetrain include the following:
- FWD: standard and sole configuration for 2016 Odyssey trims (LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite).
- AWD: not offered by Honda for the Odyssey in 2016. There were no factory AWD packages for this model year.
- Related models: Honda's Pilot and CR-V offered real-time AWD/4WD options, but those systems were not extended to the Odyssey.
These facts mean that buyers seeking all-wheel traction for winter conditions would need to consider alternative Honda models or aftermarket solutions, which is not common nor officially supported for the Odyssey.
Why the Odyssey sticks to FWD
Industry experts note that minivans prioritize interior space, weight efficiency, and predictable handling. An FWD layout keeps costs down and contributes to better interior packaging and fuel economy, which aligns with the Odyssey’s market positioning as a family-oriented family-hauler. All-wheel drive, while beneficial in adverse weather, adds complexity, weight, and expense that manufacturers often reserve for SUVs rather than minivans.
Bottom line
The 2016 Honda Odyssey is FWD-only. No factory AWD option was offered for this minivan in that model year. If all-wheel traction is a priority, buyers typically look to other Honda models such as the Pilot or CR-V, or explore aftermarket solutions at their own risk and warranty considerations.
Summary
For the 2016 Honda Odyssey, front-wheel drive was the only drivetrain configuration available. There was no factory AWD option for this minivan. The design emphasizes interior space and efficiency, with AWD reserved for other Honda models in the lineup. Prospective buyers should confirm drivetrain options when purchasing used models, but for 2016, FWD was the sole offering.