Honda keeps making improvements on its Odyssey minivan in spite of the segment’s decline. The combination of a facelift, tweaks, and more tech means a significantly upgraded Odyssey. Fiat Chrysler is the only American minivan manufacturer left. But, Toyota, Kia, and Honda continue building clean and competitive minivans. So while the segment is shrinking the available minivans keep getting better.

What you’ll see first that’s new is the grille and front fascia. Look closer and you’ll see LED headlights that have been added across the board including the base LX model. We like it a lot better than the previous chrome shield plastered into the grille’s center. It cleans up the front and now the front end looks like it is a Honda. 

A mid-cycle refresh for a minivan is an unusual but welcome occurrence

The lower fascia incorporates LED fog lights for every model except LX. It tones down the somewhat arbitrary air inlets and air dam from the previous Odyssey front. A mid-cycle refresh for a minivan is an unusual but welcome occurrence. 

Besides the addition of piano black trim and some contrast stitching the interior looks like the previous models. What’s new is the outboard second-row seats lay down flatter than previous years to make it easier to stow things on a flat surface. The seats still feature the “Magic Slide” function that allows the seats to move laterally as well as back and forth.

Grocery bag hooks are now found on the backs of third-row seats. An updated console now features a cord management system for all of the family’s phones and game equipment. The front seatbacks get extra storage pockets with EX-L and up models. For Touring and Elite models, a USB charging port is now added to the third row. There are also two added parking sensors.

New 2021 Odyssey safety features will impress you

The new safety features will impress you. Children being forgotten in hot cars seems crazy, but unfortunately, it happens. Honda now incorporates a rear seat reminder system. When the van is turned off a chime reminds the driver to check the back seats. There is also a message that flashes on the infotainment screen. 

In vans with the Elite and Touring packages the ChildWatch system is added. It uses a wide-angle camera in the headliner and the central touchscreen so you can see if there are any children sitting in the back. An image appears automatically every time the van is turned off. 

Adaptive cruise control functions in both low speeds and also stop-and-go driving

An advanced radar system built into the forward-collision warning system can now detect pedestrians. It also allows the adaptive cruise control to function in both low speeds and also stop-and-go driving. Along with the adaptive cruise control, a new electronic brake booster enhances pedal feel. 

Everything else stays the same as in 2020 including not having a hybrid version. The 2021 version goes for $32,910 for the base LX model. There are different trim and package models with the top Elite trim going for $48,940.