The Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In recent model years, this setup delivers around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, emphasizes smooth, quiet operation for family use, and relies on front-wheel drive as standard (with no all-wheel-drive option in the U.S. market). The engine is designed for everyday practicality—strong highway passing power, solid low-end response, and efficiency efforts through cylinder deactivation when full power isn’t needed.
Current engine specifications
Here are the core specifications for the modern Honda Odyssey engines you’ll find in the latest models.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC
- Horsepower: about 280 hp
- Torque: about 262 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive standard; no all-wheel-drive option in the U.S.
- Fuel economy (approximate): around 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined for FWD models
Note: Fuel economy figures vary by year, trim level, and tire/wheel configuration. Hybrid or diesel variants are not offered in the U.S. Odyssey lineup as of 2024–2025.
Technology and design notes
Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
VCM allows the engine to deactivate cylinders during light-load cruising to save fuel. When more power is required, the engine seamlessly reactivates the cylinders to deliver full performance. This technology helps balance the Odyssey’s need for quiet, comfortable driving with reasonable efficiency on long trips.
i-VTEC and engine design
The Odyssey’s V6 uses Honda’s i-VTEC system to optimize valve timing and lift across a broad rev range, contributing to strong torque at low speeds and sustained power for highway merging and passing.
Transmission and efficiency
The 9-speed automatic works with the V6 to maintain smooth shifts and to help keep engine RPM in a favorable range during highway cruising and acceleration. This pairing is a hallmark of the modern Odyssey, prioritizing a refined driving experience for families.
For most buyers, the engine’s emphasis is on effortless everyday performance, cabin quietness, and predictable maintenance needs. Routine care—oil changes, air filters, and regular inspection of the cooling and intake systems—helps maintain the engine’s longevity and the minivan’s overall reliability. If you’re considering a used Odyssey, verify which year and trim you’re looking at, since small variations in horsepower or transmission tuning can occur between generations.
Summary
In short, the current Honda Odyssey relies on a 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It delivers about 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, is standard with front-wheel drive, and aims to balance strong highway performance with family-friendly efficiency and a quiet cabin. There is no hybrid or diesel option for the Odyssey in the U.S., making the V6 powertrain the defining engine choice for this minivan.