Honda Odyssey

The Honda Odyssey is a mid-size MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) produced and marketed in China by GAC Honda. Since its introduction to the Chinese market, the Odyssey has long been regarded as a benchmark in the family MPV segment, courtesy of its exceptional space packaging, ultra-low floor design, and dependable hybrid powertrain. As of June 2026, the latest offering on sale is the 2026 model year facelift, comprising six variants with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM235,800 to RM340,800. Dealerships are currently offering significant rebates, driving the starting price down to around RM173,800 in selected regions.

Design Language

The 2026 Honda Odyssey retains Honda's clean and pragmatic MPV design ethos, emphasising an understated and timeless family-oriented aesthetic. Up front, it features the signature broad polygonal front grille with horizontal chrome louvres, flowing seamlessly into the wing-style LED headlamps on either side for instant brand recognition. The side profile stays clean and uncluttered, preserving the classic MPV silhouette. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 4,861 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,712 mm in height, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. Compared to larger contenders like the Buick GL8, these compact proportions offer far better manoeuvrability in urban driving conditions. At the rear, horizontally positioned tail lamps are linked by a chrome bar, visually broadening the vehicle's stance. Exterior paint options for the 2026 model include Starry Blue, Moon White, and Crystal Black.

Powertrain Performance

The entire 2026 Honda Odyssey range is powered by Honda’s 3rd-generation i-MMD dual-motor petrol-electric hybrid system. The setup pairs a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric drive motor, where the ICE produces 107 kW and 175 Nm of torque, while the electric motor generates 135 kW, delivering a combined total system output of 158 kW. Drive is sent to the wheels via an Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). Thanks to this hybrid setup, off-the-line acceleration is remarkably brisk and seamless. On the efficiency front, WLTC-rated combined fuel consumption figures range from 5.88 L/100 km to 6.17 L/100 km depending on the variant, with a rated top speed of 160 km/h.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the 2026 Honda Odyssey rides on front MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar, paired with a rear high-rigidity double-walled laminated torsion beam setup. The suspension is tuned distinctly for comfort, effectively soaking up road imperfections. Aided by a tight turning radius of just 5.4 metres, negotiating tight city streets, navigating older residential areas, and parking are effortless, providing agility very close to that of a conventional passenger car.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the Odyssey features a homely, minimalist wraparound dashboard layout. The true highlight remains the highly versatile "Magic Seats". The second row boasts captain seats mounted on 740 mm ultra-long tracks with 4-way adjustment (fore-and-aft, side-to-side); the third-row bench can be folded completely flat beneath the boot floor to create a vast, level cargo area. Standard boot capacity stands at 325 L to 520 L, which expands up to 1,407 L to 1,530 L with the rear seats stowed.

In-car technology varies across the range. Base variants come with a 7-inch or 8-inch central touchscreen, whereas mid-to-high-spec models feature a larger 10.1-inch floating touchscreen powered by Honda CONNECT 3.0, supporting voice control, online navigation, remote telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Dual powered-sliding doors are standard from the step-up variant onwards, while mid-to-high-spec trims receive an upgraded 50W wireless smartphone charging pad.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the 2026 Honda Odyssey comes standard with the full Honda SENSING suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) across all variants, incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM). Passive safety is well covered by a comprehensive airbag setup across the board. Additionally, selected 2026 variants have been updated with front and rear parking sensors for hassle-free tight-spot parking.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Honda Odyssey was long considered a go-to family MPV in China. However, recent price reductions on larger MPVs like the GAC Toyota Sienna, combined with stiff competition from New Energy MPVs such as the GAC Trumpchi E8, have steadily eroded its market share. Recent sales figures show the Odyssey maintaining monthly registrations of roughly 1,500 units over the past six months, recording 1,643 units in August 2025 and 1,427 units in December 2025. In response to heightened market competition, GAC Honda has rolled out attractive dealership discounts. Despite mounting pressure, the Odyssey remains a compelling contender in the RM200,000-bracket family hybrid MPV segment, underpinned by its proven hybrid reliability, unmatched seating practicality, and low running costs.