General Overview
- Model Years: 2011–2017 (fourth generation, RL5 chassis) en.wikipedia.org+6en.wikipedia.org+6kbb.com+6
- Body Style: Unibody minivan with three-row seating
- Seating Capacity: 7–8 passengers (varies by configuration)
- Drive Type: Front-wheel drive only
Engine & Powertrain
- Engine: 3.5 L SOHC 24‑valve i‑VTEC V6 (J35Y6)
- Horsepower: 248 hp @ 5,700 rpm
- Torque: 250 lb‑ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Cylinder Deactivation (VCM): Active (3-, 4-, 6‑cyl modes) reddit.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org
- Transmission: 6‑speed automatic (standard across all years)
- Fuel Type: Regular unleaded
Fuel Economy
EPA-estimated:
- City: 18–19 mpg
- Highway: 27 mpg
- Combined: 21–22 mpg reddit.com+15fueleconomy.gov+15automotivetowingguide.com+15en.wikipedia.org+3reddit.com+3towstats.com+3en.wikipedia.org+5kbb.com+5kbb.com+5
Dimensions & Cargo
- Overall Length: Approximately 202.9 in
- Width: 79.2 in
- Height: 68.4 in
- Wheelbase: 118.1 in motortrend.com
- Ground Clearance: ~6.0 in (≈4.5″–5.0″ likely); Reddit reports 4.5 in
- Curb Weight: 4,396–4,613 lb (varies with trim) en.wikipedia.org+15motortrend.com+15kbb.com+15
- Cargo Volume:
- Behind third row: 38–39 cu ft
- Total max: ~148.5 cu ft en.wikipedia.org+3kbb.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3kbb.com
- Behind third row: 38–39 cu ft
Tire & Wheel Sizes
- LX/EX: 17″ wheels with P235/65R17 tires
- EX-L/Touring/Touring Elite: 18″ wheels with P235/60R18 tires towstats.com+15kbb.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15
Trim Levels & Features
Four trims were offered with growing levels of comfort and technology:
- LX: Base model, cloth seats, 7–8 seating, 6-speed auto, standard infotainment
- EX: Adds power liftgate, blind-spot monitoring, Bluetooth; rear entertainment optional
- EX‑L: Leather upholstery, sunroof, cool-box, rear entertainment, upgraded audio
- Touring: Navigation, dual-screen rear entertainment, power sliding doors, Honda VAC vacuum
- Touring Elite (2011–2014)/Elite (2015–2017): Highest trim with premium audio, advanced interior lighting, exclusive features reddit.com
Suspension & Handling
- Front: MacPherson strut
- Rear: Independent multi-link with coil springs
- Anti-roll bars: Front and rear
- Ride Quality: Comfortable, car-like handling despite van size
Towing & Payload
- Towing Capacity:
- Up to 3,500 lb (with transmission cooler installed) reddit.com+8eduautos.com+8reddit.com+8
- Without cooler, towing not recommended, lower tow and heat risk reddit.com+5towstats.com+5reddit.com+5
- Up to 3,500 lb (with transmission cooler installed) reddit.com+8eduautos.com+8reddit.com+8
- Payload Capacity:
- Approximately 1,537 lb for 2017 autopadre.com+12automotivetowingguide.com+12kbb.com+12
- Approximately 1,537 lb for 2017 autopadre.com+12automotivetowingguide.com+12kbb.com+12
- Passenger/Cargo Load Impact: Reddit discussion reports towing capacity decreases as passenger count increases—for example, from 3,500 lb (2 occupants) to ~1,450 lb (7 occupants) odyclub.com+2reddit.com+2axleadvisor.com+2
Safety & Technology
- Structural Integrity: ACE body structure; Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
- Airbags: Full complement of front, side, and curtain airbags
- Driver Assistance:
- Backup camera standard from 2013 onward towstats.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15
- Blind-spot and lane departure available on higher trims (EX and above after 2014) kbb.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2kbb.com+2
- Backup camera standard from 2013 onward towstats.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15
Notable Updates by Year
- 2011: New fourth-generation model launched
- 2014 (2014 model year): Mid-cycle refresh with 6-speed transmission standard, improved styling, airbags, LaneWatch, BingoVac vacuum on Touring Elite motortrend.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5reddit.com+5
- 2015: Introduction of Elite trim in US, minor feature tweaks, continued mechanical consistency
Additional Owner Insights
- Transmission cooler essential for safe towing to prevent overheating reddit.com+1reddit.com+1
- Reddit owners recommend keeping towed loads well under the maximum on hilly terrain for reliability and safety
Summary
The 2011–2017 Honda Odyssey is a reliable and family-friendly unibody minivan powered by a 248 hp V6 and a 6-speed transmission. It offers flexible seating, solid fuel economy (~21 mpg combined), strong safety, and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lb (with cooling upgrades). Trim levels move from basic LX through fully equipped Elite, adding niceties like navigation, rear entertainment, and interior vacuum—a well-rounded package for families.
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