Does the 2024 Odyssey have VCM?
Context: This article examines whether the 2024 Honda Odyssey uses Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), what VCM is, and how to confirm whether a specific vehicle has it.
What the official specs say
The official 2024 Odyssey specifications do not list Variable Cylinder Management as a feature. In other words, Honda’s published materials for the 2024 Odyssey do not advertise VCM as part of the powertrain.
What is VCM and how does it work?
VCM, or Variable Cylinder Management, is Honda’s cylinder-deactivation technology. When the engine is cruising under light load and at steady speed, the system deactivates some of the cylinders to improve fuel efficiency, then reactivates them when extra power is needed. It has been used on various 3.5-liter V6 engines in Honda’s lineup, including some Odysseys in earlier years, but reliability and smoothness can vary by model and generation.
What the 2024 Odyssey uses instead
For 2024, Honda describes the Odyssey as powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The documentation highlights performance and efficiency improvements without listing VCM as a feature. If a particular VIN includes VCM, it would require VIN-specific documentation from Honda to confirm; otherwise, the 2024 Odyssey’s documented powertrain does not advertise VCM.
How to verify for your vehicle
To confirm whether your exact Odyssey has VCM, use these checks:
- Review the 2024 Odyssey owner’s manual and the original brochure for any mention of “Variable Cylinder Management” or “VCM.”
- Check the VIN-specific build data on Honda’s official site or via a dealership—some VINs may indicate cylinder-management features.
- Contact a Honda dealer or Honda Customer Service with your VIN to get a definitive answer.
Conclusion: If the official documentation for your VIN does not mention VCM and there is no VIN-specific indication of cylinder deactivation, your Odyssey likely does not have VCM. Verification with a dealer is the safest path.
What this means for buyers and owners
Whether a vehicle has VCM can influence expectations around fuel economy, idle behavior, and long-term maintenance. Shoppers should rely on the model-year’s official spec sheet and VIN-specific data when assessing a 2024 Odyssey. Current owners who notice unusual engine behavior should consult their dealer to determine whether any cylinder-management-related software updates or maintenance are recommended.
Summary: The 2024 Honda Odyssey is not advertised as equipped with Variable Cylinder Management by Honda in its official specifications. The engine is described as a 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC paired to a 10-speed automatic, with VCM not listed as a feature. To be certain for a specific vehicle, check the owner’s manual, VIN-specific Honda documentation, or consult a dealer.
Do new Hondas have VCM?
And they include 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX 2016 to 2022 Honda Pilot and 2019 to 2025 Honda Passport the two vehicles that currently still uses the J35 Y6 are the Honda Ridgeline.
What Odyssey models have VCM?
Vehicles equipped with VCM
2005-10 Honda Odyssey (USDM) - EX-L and Touring Models only (J35A7) - 2005-2007 models are equipped with VCM-1 (3- and 6-cylinder operation) - 2008-2010 models are equipped with VCM-2 (3-, 4-, and 6-cylinder operation).
Why disable VCM on Honda Odyssey?
When VCM is enabled half of the cylinders are disabled. The rings cool since there is no fuel being used. Over time this allows a very small amount of oil to leak past the rings. When VCM is disabled the oil/gasoline mix ``detonates'' like a diesel engine and this puts high amounts of stress on the rings.
Does the 2025 Honda Odyssey have cylinder deactivation?
Even with six cylinders, the Odyssey's fuel efficiency is impressively optimized. Honda has integrated technologies like cylinder deactivation and idle-stop systems that activate during less-demanding driving conditions.
