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Is Honda Odyssey 2 or 4 wheel drive?

The Honda Odyssey is front-wheel drive (2WD) and does not offer a four-wheel-drive option. In current US-spec models, FWD is standard and there is no AWD variant from Honda.

As families weigh winter driving needs, towing capabilities, and overall reliability, understanding the Odyssey’s drivetrain helps set expectations. This article explains the drivetrain setup for the minivan, why Honda has kept it FWD, and what alternatives exist if you require all-wheel-drive capability in a family vehicle. It also places the Odyssey in the context of Honda’s broader lineup.

Current drivetrain reality for the Odyssey

When evaluating a family minivan, it's important to know how the drivetrain affects performance and practicality. The Odyssey’s setup has remained consistent across recent generations: front-wheel drive only.

All current Honda Odyssey trims — LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite — use front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard.

There is no factory option for all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) on the Odyssey in North America.

Honda’s real-time AWD systems exist on other models (Pilot, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline) but are not offered on the Odyssey.

For buyers needing AWD capability, alternatives within Honda’s lineup include other models, or non-Honda minivans that offer AWD.

In short, the Odyssey is a front-drive vehicle with no official AWD option in current generations, a design choice that prioritizes interior space, efficiency, and cost for a family-focused minivan.

Why Honda keeps the Odyssey FWD design

Several factors explain Honda’s decision to retain front-wheel drive for the Odyssey. FWD minimizes mechanical complexity, reduces drivetrain weight, and helps maximize interior volume — all important for a family minivan. It also keeps the price accessible and improves fuel economy, which are common priorities for minivan buyers. Additionally, minivans are typically used in urban and suburban driving where front-wheel drive provides adequate traction with proper tires.

AWD in Honda’s broader lineup

Honda does offer all-wheel drive on several other models, providing options for customers who need enhanced traction. Here are the key Honda models that commonly offer AWD in the current lineup:

Pilot

CR-V

HR-V

Ridgeline

If you require AWD for a family vehicle, these models provide it, whereas the Odyssey remains exclusive to front-wheel drive in North America.

What this means for buyers and drivers

For shoppers set on a minivan with AWD, the Odyssey does not meet that criterion. You may consider a different vehicle within Honda’s lineup or explore non-Honda minivan options that offer AWD. For typical family use, the Odyssey’s FWD setup is widely capable with proper winter tires and cautious driving, and Honda offers competitive safety and convenience features across trims.

Summary

The Honda Odyssey is a front-wheel-drive minivan (2WD) with no factory AWD/4WD option in current generations. If AWD is essential, consider other Honda models such as the Pilot or CR-V, or explore alternative minivans that offer AWD. As of 2024-2025, there is no official Honda-provided AWD solution for the Odyssey.

Is the Honda Odyssey 4 wheel drive?

No, the Honda Odyssey is not available with all-wheel drive (AWD) and has always been a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. Every model is equipped with a 280-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, with FWD as the standard drivetrain for all trims.
This video explains why the Honda Odyssey is not available with all-wheel drive: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Feb 24, 2025

The Odyssey comes standard with a V6 engine and front-wheel drive across all model years and trims.
This means the Odyssey does not offer an AWD option, though other Honda models like the Pilot, CR-V, and Ridgeline do.
Honda has introduced a "Snow mode" on some models to help with traction on snowy roads, but this is not the same as all-wheel drive.

This video discusses the features of the Honda Odyssey, including its drivetrain: 1mDownshiftYouTube · May 10, 2025

How does the Honda Odyssey do in snow?

The Honda Odyssey handles reasonably well in light snow, especially when equipped with snow tires, but its lack of all-wheel drive is a significant disadvantage in deep snow or on icy inclines. Its front-wheel-drive and advanced traction control systems help, and "Snow Mode" improves performance by adjusting the transmission and throttle, but it can still struggle to gain traction from a standstill on slippery uphill slopes.

Strengths
This video demonstrates the Honda Odyssey's snow mode feature: 56sDELLA Honda in PlattsburghYouTube · Mar 2, 2018

Snow Mode: Many models include "Snow Mode," which starts the transmission in second gear and makes the throttle less sensitive to reduce wheel spin and improve traction.
Traction Control: Electronic stability and traction control systems can help the vehicle maintain control during minor skids.
Front-Wheel Drive: The engine's weight over the front wheels provides decent traction, which is helpful in many situations.

Weaknesses

Lack of AWD: The absence of all-wheel drive is the Odyssey's biggest weakness in snowy conditions, as it struggles more than AWD vehicles.
Icy inclines: Starting on an uphill slope in icy or snowy conditions is where the Odyssey is most likely to lose traction and get stuck.
Deep snow: The minivan's lower ground clearance compared to an SUV means it can get stuck in deep, unplowed snow more easily.

Recommendations

Prioritize tires: Invest in a good set of all-season or, ideally, winter tires. This is the single most important factor for improving performance in the snow.
Drive cautiously: Avoid driving in severe winter conditions if possible, and be especially careful when starting on inclines.
Use Snow Mode: Activate "Snow Mode" when driving in slippery conditions to optimize the vehicle's performance.

Is the 2018 Honda Odyssey 2wd or 4wd?

Does the 2018 Honda Odyssey Offer All-Wheel Drive? Sadly, no. Though it may seem easy to slap on an AWD system and call it a new feature, the Honda Odyssey will continue to be available only with front-wheel drive.

What type of drive is a Honda Odyssey?

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the 2026 Honda Odyssey minivan offers a refined and responsive driving experience that you can thoroughly enjoy as you drive through Essex Junction.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.