Is the Honda Odyssey a V-6 or v8?
The Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine; there is no V8 option in any production Odyssey.
In practical terms, buyers should expect a V6 under the hood, paired with a modern automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard. The minivan is engineered for smooth, quiet daily driving and family practicality rather than the raw horsepower associated with V8-powered vehicles.
Current engine configuration
The essential details of the engine powering today’s Odyssey are summarized here, including displacement, power, and drivetrain.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 from Honda's J-series family
- Power and torque: around 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in recent models
- Transmission: modern automatic transmission (no manual option)
- Drivetrain: front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is not offered on the Odyssey in North America
For most buyers, this setup translates to confident highway merging and steady acceleration for a family-focused vehicle, with the reliability and smoothness the Odyssey is known for.
Historical context (engine evolution)
Over its generations, the Odyssey has consistently used a V6 in the North American market since the early 2000s. Earlier, smaller models experimented with four-cylinder configurations, but the modern Odyssey has stayed with a V6, with no official V8 variant ever offered in the U.S. or Canada.
In sum, the Odyssey’s engine identity remains firmly in the V6 camp, aligning with Honda’s emphasis on efficiency, refinement, and practical performance for family transport.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine and does not offer a V8 variant. It delivers about 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, with a contemporary automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, all designed to prioritize comfort, reliability, and everyday usability for families.
