Which Honda Odyssey is top of the line?
The top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey trim is the Elite, offering the most luxury and features in Honda's minivan lineup.
Current trim lineup
Honda positions its Odyssey trims from base LX to top-tier Elite. The following overview summarizes the lineup and distinguishes the Elite as the premium option.
- LX — base level with essential features and good value
- EX — adds more convenience and tech
- EX-L — leather-trimmed interior and enhanced comfort
- Touring — sportier styling and more premium tech features
- Elite — the range-topping variant with the most standard features and options
The lineup increases in features and price as you move from LX to Elite, with Elite being the most well-equipped option for families who want maximum comfort and convenience.
What makes the Elite the top trim
Elite distinguishes the Odyssey from other trims by including the most advanced equipment and luxury touches, typically with premium seating, advanced infotainment, and exclusive convenience features. Availability can vary by model year and market, so check the latest brochure for specifics.
- Premium interior materials and seating
- Navigation and premium audio system
- Rear-seat entertainment and/or built-in conveniences in some years
- Advanced driver-assistance features beyond base trims
- Exclusive convenience features such as a hands-free liftgate and second-row seating configurations
In short, Elite is designed for buyers who want the most comfort, technology, and convenience, with the clarity that some features may shift year to year.
Model-year considerations
Because features and availability can change from year to year, it's wise to verify what the Elite includes in the specific model year you're shopping for.
- Year-to-year variations: some features may be optional or replaced by alternatives
- Infotainment and connectivity options can differ by generation
- Price and value balance shifts as new features are introduced or dropped
Always verify the current brochure or dealer sheet to confirm exact equipment for the model year you choose.
Summary
The top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey is the Elite trim, offering the most features and luxury in the lineup. If you want maximum comfort, technology, and convenience for family travel, Elite is the option to consider, with year-to-year variations in standard equipment to keep in mind.
Which is better, Honda Odyssey Touring or Elite?
The Honda Odyssey Elite is the top-tier trim, adding luxury and convenience features to the already premium Touring model. Key upgrades include ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a more powerful 11-speaker audio system, a hands-free power tailgate, and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin. The Touring model remains a well-equipped trim, sharing many standard features like the advanced rear entertainment system, CabinWatch, and CabinTalk with the Elite.
| Feature | Touring | Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Front Seats | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Steering Wheel | Leather-wrapped | Heated leather-wrapped |
| Audio System | 7-speaker audio system | 11-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer and multi-zone audio |
| Power Tailgate | Power tailgate with programmable height | Hands-free access power tailgate |
| Glass | Standard | Acoustic glass windshield, front- and sliding-door windows |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels | 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels |
| Wipers | Rain-sensing | Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers |
| Side Mirrors | Power-folding, auto-dimming | Power-folding, auto-dimming, heated side mirrors |
| Wireless Charger | No | Yes |
| Interior Lighting | Standard | Blue ambient LED lighting |
| Audio System | Standard 7-speaker, 160-watt audio system | Upgraded 550-watt, 11-speaker premium audio system |
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This video provides a quick comparison of the Touring and Elite trims of the Honda Odyssey: 55sTopicMotorYouTube · Jun 12, 2025
Key differences at a glance
- Comfort: The Elite adds ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic glass for a quieter cabin.
- Convenience: The Elite's hands-free power tailgate is a major convenience upgrade, along with features like power-folding and heated side mirrors.
- Audio: The Elite features a significantly upgraded premium audio system with more speakers and multi-zone audio.
- Tech: Both have a similar advanced rear entertainment system, but the Elite also includes a wireless phone charger.
Which model of Honda Odyssey is best?
The best Honda Odyssey depends on priorities: for the latest technology and safety features, consider the 2021 or 2022 models from the fifth generation (2018-present). For proven long-term durability and lower cost, the 2015-2017 fourth-generation models are great choices, or even the 1995-1998 first-generation models. The 2005-2010 third generation is a good option if styling is a high priority.
You can watch this video for a quick comparison of Honda Odyssey Touring and Elite trims: 55sTopicMotorYouTube · Jun 12, 2025
Best for modern features and safety
- 2021 or 2022 Honda Odyssey: These are the top picks of the fifth generation, offering advanced driver-assist systems like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, along with fewer complaints and recalls than earlier 2018-2020 models.
Best for reliability and value (used)
- 2015-2017 Honda Odyssey: These models are praised for their reliability and still offer key safety features like forward collision and road departure warnings.
- 1995-1998 or 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey: The first and fourth generations have impeccable reliability records, making them solid choices if you prioritize long-term durability.
Best for style
- 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey: This third generation is often highlighted for its attractive styling and also introduced new features like a power tailgate and power-adjustable pedals.
Other factors to consider
- Performance: The Odyssey is known for its powerful V6 engine and surprisingly agile handling across many generations, including the 2013 model.
- Technology: Recent models (fifth generation) include modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while older models may have fewer amenities.
- Safety: The Odyssey consistently receives high safety ratings, but specific safety features vary by year and trim level.
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.
What is the highest level of Honda Odyssey?
Elite
The Elite is the highest Odyssey trim level available. Costing $49,620, the Elite is expensive but well-equipped with cool technology and luxury features. You'll enjoy features like ventilated front seats, a hands-free tailgate, an 11-speaker audio system, and a wireless phone charger.
