Which Honda Odyssey is top-of-the-line?
The top-of-the-line Honda Odyssey trim is the Elite, the flagship of Honda's minivan lineup. This article explains the trim structure, why Elite is considered the top model, and how it stacks up against other trims and model years.
Understanding the Odyssey trim ladder
Honda typically offers five trims for most model years: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. The Elite sits at the top of the range and bundles the most premium features, though exact equipment can vary by year and region.
Here is a snapshot of the common trim lineup, from base to flagship:
- LX — base level with essential equipment
- EX — adds comfort and convenience upgrades
- EX-L — leather upholstery and additional features
- Touring — premium features and advanced tech
- Elite — flagship trim with the fullest feature set
In short, Elite is the top trim in most recent generations, offering the most comprehensive package; verify the exact features for your model year and market.
What makes the Odyssey Elite stand out
The Elite trim is distinguished by its premium interior, convenience features, and top-tier tech. The following sections highlight the key areas where Elite typically stands apart.
Interior and comfort
Elite usually includes premium materials, leather seating, and enhanced rear-seat comfort options. In many years, you’ll also find more generous seating configurations, such as captain’s chairs in the second row or enhanced slide/comfort features.
Premium seating, climate control, and convenience details combine to create a more upscale experience for driver and passengers alike.
- Leather-trimmed seating and upgraded interior materials
- Heated front seats and enhanced climate control
- Second-row seating configurations with added convenience features
These interior upgrades define the Elite's premium feel and justify its position at the top of the lineup.
Technology and safety
Elite equips advanced technology and safety features, including a larger touchscreen with navigation options, premium audio, and the full Honda Sensing suite where available.
- Upgraded infotainment with navigation options
- Premium audio system
- Enhanced safety and driver-assist features as part of Honda Sensing
- Convenience features like a power tailgate
These tech and safety enhancements provide a more feature-rich package for families and long trips.
Elite vs Touring: how they differ
Touring is close to flagship, but Elite adds extras that enhance luxury and convenience. Compare the two to decide which best fits your priorities and budget.
Key differences commonly seen in recent years include interior materials, seating options, and added comfort conveniences in Elite versus Touring.
- Elite frequently offers higher-grade interior finishes and sometimes different seating arrangements
- Elite adds features such as a power tailgate and, in some years, additional comfort or storage features
- Infotainment and safety tech is typically more expansive in Elite, depending on the model year
For many buyers, Elite represents the most balanced blend of comfort, tech, and convenience, justifying its premium over Touring.
Model-year notes and specifications
In recent generations, Elite has served as the top trim from roughly 2018 through 2024. All trims share the same engine and drivetrain configuration: a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is not offered on the Odyssey.
Summary
When shopping for a Honda Odyssey, the Elite trim stands as the top-of-the-line option, delivering the most premium interior, the strongest feature set, and the highest level of convenience and safety tech available in the model's lineup. Always check the current model year’s exact equipment with a dealer, as features can shift between generations.
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.
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.
Which Odyssey is the best?
The "best Odyssey" depends on what you're looking for, as it can refer to the Honda Odyssey minivan, Odyssey golf putters, or the epic poem The Odyssey. For a used minivan, the 2018-2022 Honda Odyssey models are often recommended for their driver-assist technology, while the first (1995-1998) and fourth (2011-2017) generations are praised for their reliability. In golf, a top putter is the Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter, or the Odyssey Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter for its stability and forgiveness.
Honda Odyssey
- For technology: The 2018 and newer generations are highly desirable due to advanced driver-assist features, with 2021 or 2022 models often being a top pick.
- For reliability: The first generation (1995-1998) and fourth generation (2011-2017) are considered the most durable long-term options.
- For luxury: The Elite trim is the highest level, featuring ventilated front seats, a hands-free tailgate, and premium audio.
Odyssey Golf Putters
- Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter: A popular choice, especially for those who prefer a stunning model with an Ai-ONE insert face.
- Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K #2: A very stable blade putter with a White Hot face.
- Odyssey Eleven Putter: Visually appealing and very forgiving, with a White Hot face.
- Odyssey Square 2 Square Jailbird Putter: Praised for its zero-torque technology and forgiveness.
The Odyssey (epic poem)
- Author: Traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer.
- Subject: An epic tale of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.
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.
