MT GARAGE
Arrival: 2021 Honda Odyssey (EX-L)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ
19/28/22 mpg
“We’ve had a baby boom at MotorTrend, so staffers will be testing the Odyssey in ways we haven’t been able to in the past.”
Ed Loh
Base Price $39,635 As Tested $39,635
Dear Honda Manufacturing of Alabama employees, Just a quick note to let you know your 2021 Honda Odyssey EX-L (VIN ending in 7577) has arrived safe and sound, thanks to your colleagues at America Honda Motor Co. and the folks at Scott Robinson Honda in Torrance, California.
Thanks for painting it in such a lovely shade of Obsidian Blue Pearl; the dark blue really helps the new chrome strip above the redesigned headlights pop and looks stunning against the gray “-L for leather” interior. You might be curious why we picked the Odyssey in the EX-L trim level, versus the fancier Touring or Elite models you build.
Well, when testing vehicles, especially over longer time periods, we try to ensure they best represent what a large percentage of the American population drives. As you know, minivan sales have taken a dive in recent years following the rise of SUVs and CUVs; you’ve added the two-row Passport to your manufacturing lines out there in Lincoln.
Still, according to your colleagues in PR, the Odyssey has been the No. 1 retail minivan nameplate in America for the past 10 years, and it captures more than 40 percent of all retail minivan sales. We checked, and both claims seem accurate when you key in on the word “retail,” as other minivans have sold more units from time to time, but only if you include fleet sales. As for the midlevel EX-L trim, per your spokesperson, it’s “by far the most popular, representing almost 40 percent of sales.” This we can’t confirm but have no reason to dispute.
We also can’t dispute the options, because VIN 7577 came with none. We’re not complaining; after reviewing the long list of standard features that come with the as-tested price of $39,635, we’re quite satisfied with all the comfort and convenience amenities, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the dual power-sliding doors, power tailgate, and heated, adjustable front seats (12-way for driver, eight-way for front passenger).
We’ve had a bit of a baby boom at , so several staffers and their families will be testing the Odyssey in ways we haven’t been able to in the past; the multiple seating configurations and LATCH system for securing child seats should get a workout, and
