Is the 2024 Honda Odyssey AWD?
No — the 2024 Honda Odyssey is front-wheel-drive only, with no factory all-wheel-drive option across any trim.
For context, this article explains the Odyssey’s drivetrain for the 2024 model year, why AWD isn’t offered, and what alternatives exist if all-wheel drive is a priority for a family vehicle.
Drivetrain and performance
The 2024 Odyssey uses a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All trims come with front-wheel drive; there is no all-wheel-drive option for this model year. The setup prioritizes interior space, ride comfort, and efficiency over off-road capability.
What this means for daily driving
With FWD, the minivan delivers predictable handling on paved roads and in typical family-use scenarios. While winter weather can be managed with appropriate tires and cautious driving, AWD is not available to provide extra traction in snow or mud on the Odyssey.
Why AWD is not offered on the Odyssey
Honda has kept the Odyssey as a front-drive platform to maximize interior cargo and passenger space and to keep costs and weight down. Adding an AWD system would increase weight, reduce cargo capacity, and raise overall price, which the brand has not pursued for this minivan.
Alternatives with AWD
If all-wheel drive is a must-have, consider these options that offer AWD in vehicles in the same family-vehicle space or category.
- Toyota Sienna with available AWD-e (hybrid powertrain)
- Chrysler Pacifica (gas version) with AWD on multiple trims
- Honda Pilot (SUV, not a minivan) with AWD on most trims
In practice, the Toyota Sienna represents the closest direct minivan alternative with an AWD option, while the Chrysler Pacifica provides AWD on its gasoline variants. The Honda Pilot offers AWD in a different body style but remains a practical family vehicle option.
What buyers should know
If AWD is essential for winter driving or rough-road use, weigh the Sienna’s AWD-e capability or the Pacifica’s gasoline-AWD option against the Odyssey’s strengths in interior space and ride quality. Tire choice and driver technique also play key roles in winter traction, regardless of drivetrain.
Summary
As of the 2024 model year, the Honda Odyssey does not offer all-wheel drive. For buyers who need AWD, exploring alternatives like the Toyota Sienna with AWD-e or the Chrysler Pacifica with AWD on its gasoline trims is advisable. The Odyssey remains a strong choice for those prioritizing cabin space, comfort, and a smooth ride in a front-wheel-drive minivan.
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 there an AWD Honda Odyssey?
No, there is no all-wheel drive (AWD) Honda Odyssey available; every model comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD). Honda has intentionally kept the Odyssey in a FWD-only configuration, as research indicates that minivan customers don't prioritize AWD enough to outweigh its drawbacks. Competitors like the Toyota Sienna offer AWD, while the Odyssey's focus remains on other features.
- FWD Only: The Honda Odyssey is exclusively available in a front-wheel drive configuration.
- Intentionally FWD: Honda's decision to stick with FWD is a deliberate one based on customer feedback and market research.
- Market Competitors: Other minivans in the segment, such as the Toyota Sienna, offer optional all-wheel drive.
- Other Honda Models: For those interested in an AWD Honda, other models like the Pilot, CR-V, and some Accord sedans offer AWD options.
Why is Honda discontinuing the Odyssey?
As a refresher, Honda decided to discontinue the Odyssey in the Philippine market due to the closure of the automaker's Sayama production plant in Japan.
Does the 2024 Honda Odyssey have AWD?
Does the 2024 Honda Odyssey have all-wheel drive? No, the 2024 Honda Odyssey comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. Honda focuses on optimizing traction and handling with its Intelligent Traction Management system, which includes a Snow Mode to enhance stability in slippery conditions.
