Is Honda going to make an AWD Odyssey?
Honda currently does not offer an all-wheel-drive Odyssey, and there has been no official confirmation of an AWD version for the next generation. The minivan remains front-wheel-drive in the U.S., and this article explains the status, the reasoning industry observers cite, and what options exist for buyers who need all-wheel traction.
Current status of the Odyssey
The U.S.-spec Honda Odyssey continues to be front-wheel-drive only. Honda’s official materials list the Odyssey’s drivetrain as FWD across all trims, with a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is no AWD option listed for the current generation in the U.S. market, and Honda has not publicly announced plans to add AWD to the Odyssey in the near term. By contrast, rivals like the Toyota Sienna offer all-wheel drive (via a hybrid system), making AWD an appealing feature for buyers in regions with snow or ice.
Why there is no AWD Odyssey
Engineering and packaging realities
Adding all-wheel drive to a minivan requires significant changes to the underbody, drivetrain routing, and suspension geometry. Those changes can affect interior packaging, cargo space, and curb weight, all of which are key considerations for a family-focused vehicle like the Odyssey.
Market demand and competitive dynamics
Industry observers note that many Odyssey buyers prioritize interior space, comfort, and efficiency over all-wheel traction. While AWD is valuable in winter climates, the share of minivan buyers who specifically require AWD has historically been smaller than in trucks or SUVs. Toyota’s Sienna has carved out a niche by offering AWD in a hybrid, but Honda has not signaled that it plans to follow suit in the Odyssey lineup.
Alternatives for AWD minivans
For shoppers who need all-wheel drive right away, the current market offers a few viable options beyond the Odyssey. The following are commonly cited AWD minivan choices and information on what they offer.
- Toyota Sienna — All-wheel drive is available on most trims and is a key selling point, paired with a hybrid powertrain for efficiency.
- Chrysler Pacifica — AWD is available on gas-powered models; the Pacifica Hybrid is another option but is typically not AWD in that version.
- Kia Carnival — Does not offer an AWD option; remains front-wheel drive.
Shoppers considering AWD should evaluate total ownership costs, fuel economy, and how often AWD would be used, as those factors influence overall value in the minivan segment.
What Honda might do in the future
Signals and possibilities
There is no official word from Honda about an AWD Odyssey in the near term. If market demand shifts or competitive pressures from AWD minivans increase, Honda could revisit the option in a future generation or a mid-cycle update. Any decision would likely weigh the engineering complexity, cost, and potential impact on interior packaging and fuel efficiency against expected demand.
Bottom line
At present, Honda has not announced an all-wheel-drive Odyssey and the model continues to be front-wheel-drive in the United States. For buyers who require AWD today, the Toyota Sienna and, to a lesser extent, the Chrysler Pacifica provide practical alternatives. Honda’s future plans for AWD in the Odyssey will depend on shifts in customer demand and corporate strategy, so watchers should stay tuned for any official statements.
Summary
The Odyssey remains FWD with no confirmed plan for an AWD variant as of now. If AWD is essential, consumers should consider rivals like the Toyota Sienna, which offers AWD (and is hybrid-focused), while the Honda lineup awaits any formal confirmation of an AWD Odyssey. Updates from Honda will dictate whether this stance changes in the coming years.
