When was Odyssey redesigned?
The Honda Odyssey was redesigned for the 2018 model year, launching the fifth generation of the minivan.
That redesign marked a clear turning point for Honda’s family-hauler, bringing bolder styling, a more versatile interior, and updated safety and infotainment tech. The article below traces the Odyssey’s redesign history and highlights what each major refresh delivered, with a focus on the 2018 overhaul and its ongoing evolution.
Generational redesigns of the Odyssey
The Odyssey has undergone four major redesigns since its U.S. debut. Below is a concise timeline of those redesigns and what each one delivered.
- Second generation (1999 model year) — Marked a shift from the original 1995 design to a more modern minivan layout with updated styling, packaging, and powertrain options.
- Third generation (2005 model year) — A larger, more comfortable interior and improved overall packaging, ride quality, and safety features.
- Fourth generation (2011 model year) — All-new platform and styling, with enhanced seating versatility and interior refinement.
- Fifth generation (2018 model year) — Complete redesign introducing the current generation, featuring dramatic styling changes, the Magic Slide second-row seating, a redesigned cabin, and upgraded safety and infotainment options.
The timeline shows how Honda progressively refreshed the Odyssey to stay competitive against rivals like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica.
The 2018 redesign: What changed
Before detailing the exact feature set, this section highlights the core areas most affected by the 2018 redesign.
- Exterior design: a bold new front end, updated grille and lighting, and a more sculpted silhouette.
- Interior and seating: a roomier, more upscale cabin with improved materials and Honda’s Magic Slide second-row seating to enhance access and configurable space.
- Technology and safety: a modernized infotainment system, better smartphone integration, and expanded driver-assistance features as part of Honda Sensing.
These changes collectively modernized the Odyssey and positioned it more strongly against newer minivans in the segment, while establishing the current design language that has continued through subsequent model-year updates.
Exterior redesign
The 2018 redesign introduced sharper lines, a broader grille, and redesigned headlights, giving the Odyssey a more contemporary and premium appearance.
Interior and seating
The interior was reimagined for greater practicality and comfort, including the signature Magic Slide second-row seating that enhances cabin flexibility and rear-seat accessibility.
Technology and safety
Infotainment was upgraded with a more responsive touchscreen and better device integration, while driver-assistance technologies were expanded to improve safety and ease of use across more trims.
Current status and ongoing updates
As of 2024, the Odyssey remains in the fifth generation, which began with the 2018 model year. Honda has pursued incremental updates rather than a full redesign since then, refining features, safety tech, and interior quality to keep the model competitive in a crowded minivan market.
The key takeaway for prospective buyers is that the major redesign occurred in 2018, establishing the current generation and its design language, with continued improvements delivered through model-year updates rather than another full redesign.
Summary
The Honda Odyssey’s redesign history shows four major generational shifts prior to the current fifth generation, which launched with the 2018 model year. The 2018 redesign delivered a dramatic styling overhaul, enhanced interior flexibility, and modernized tech and safety features, and since then the model has evolved through ongoing updates rather than another complete redesign. For families seeking space and practicality, the Odyssey’s current generation remains a strong contender in the minivan segment.
When was the Honda Odyssey redesigned?
The Honda Odyssey had a major redesign in 2011 and a major refresh for the 2018 model year, with a significant refresh for 2025. The 2025 redesign included exterior and interior updates, and the current generation was first introduced in 2018.
Major redesigns and refreshes
- 2011: The fourth generation of the Odyssey was completely new for the 2011 model year.
- 2014: A mid-cycle refresh was introduced for the 2014 model year, which included updated styling and a standard six-speed automatic transmission for all trim levels.
- 2018: The fifth generation of the Odyssey was introduced for the 2018 model year.
- 2021: A minor update included a new grille, a revised tailgate trim, and updated interior features.
- 2025: A significant refresh was made for the 2025 model year, with exterior changes including a new grille and bumpers, and interior upgrades such as a larger touchscreen and updated features.
What year to stay away from Honda Odyssey?
Years to avoid for the Honda Odyssey are primarily the second-generation (1999–2004), especially the 2002 model, due to widespread transmission failures. Other models to approach with caution are the 2005–2006 for potential transmission and other issues, the 2007–2008 for power steering problems, and the 2011–2013 and 2018 models for engine, transmission, or electrical concerns.
Years with major issues
- 1999–2004: This generation is known for significant transmission problems, with the 2002 model having the most complaints.
- 2005–2006: These years had common transmission issues, and the 2006 model was also recalled for issues with power windows and steering.
- 2007–2008: These models are known for power steering issues.
- 2011–2013: Some sources advise avoiding these years due to engine and transmission problems.
- 2018: This year is noted for potential transmission issues and other first-year redesign glitches.
General advice
- Avoid the first year of a new generation: The first year of a redesign, such as 2018, often has more initial issues that are corrected in later years.
- Be wary of specific problems: Be aware of common problems like catalytic converter failure, which affected several model years including 1999-2001 and 2005-2007.
- Inspect carefully: Regardless of the model year, a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic is recommended before purchasing a used Odyssey, and always check maintenance records.
Is the 2025 Honda Odyssey a new generation?
For 2025, this fifth-generation Odyssey, which has been on the streets since 2018, gets a host of updates to keep it at the top of the segment. Upgraded style is part of the plan. Up front, there's a new grille with a chunkier crossbar, along with a slightly different shape to make room for larger headlight lenses.
Will the 2026 Odyssey have a redesign?
The refreshed design of the Honda Odyssey elevates every family adventure, from the redesigned grille and bumpers to the bold 18- and 19-inch wheels. LED headlights and updated LED fog lights complete the updated look.
