For 2026, the Honda Odyssey is a minivan with seating for eight and front wheel drive; it’s got a 3.5 liter V6 engine and a nine speed automatic transmission. It gets approximately 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway, and you can choose from six different versions: LX, EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, and Elite. Freeway Honda in Santa Ana has the Odyssey available for you to look at.
It has space for eight people, a nicely tuned V6 engine, and Honda Sensing as standard on all models. Most families in Orange County will use a minivan for things like taking kids to school, going to Disneyland, or longer trips up and down the coast. We’ll look at the different trim levels, the engine and how it works, the fuel economy, how the Odyssey compares to the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, and Kia Carnival, and why Freeway Honda is a good place to shop if you are near Santa Ana, Anaheim, or Irvine.
Quick facts: 2026 Honda Odyssey
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fuel economy | ~19 city / 28 highway MPG |
| Seating capacity | 8 passengers across three rows |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 naturally aspirated |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
| Trim levels | LX, EX, EX-L, Sport, Touring, Elite |
| Standard safety suite | Honda Sensing (all trims) |
| MSRP | Contact Freeway Honda for current pricing |
For families in Anaheim or Irvine, that 28 MPG highway number means you can run down to San Diego or up to LA without obsessing over gas stops. You can browse our current new Odyssey availability online or stop by to see what we have on the lot.
What is the 2026 Honda Odyssey?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey is Honda’s minivan, specifically a family vehicle with three rows of seats for eight people. It's been designed to be flexible inside, have a V6 engine, and come with safety features as standard. And it isn't a three-row SUV, which is important. Because it was originally designed as a minivan, it can do things an SUV can't quite manage - the Magic Slide seats in the second row and a completely flat floor in the back when the third row of seats are folded down are examples.
Every version of the 2026 Odyssey includes Honda Sensing, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation and traffic sign recognition. You also get CabinWatch, a camera facing the back of the car which allows drivers to see rear passengers on the display in the front, and CabinTalk, a PA system in the car for speaking to those in the very back. Finally, the Magic Slide seats in the second row can be arranged to fit three car seats, offer a walkway to the third row, or to give adults in those middle seats more space.
2026 Honda Odyssey trim levels
There are six trims, each aimed at a different buyer:
| Trim | Best for | Notable additions |
|---|---|---|
| LX | Budget-conscious families needing core minivan functionality | Standard Honda Sensing, 8-passenger seating |
| EX | Families wanting everyday convenience upgrades | Power sliding doors, upgraded infotainment |
| EX-L | Buyers prioritizing comfort | Leather seating, premium interior upgrades |
| Sport | Style-focused families | Blacked-out exterior accents, exclusive styling touches |
| Touring | Tech-focused buyers | Advanced driver-assist features, rear-seat entertainment |
| Elite | Maximum luxury and convenience | Top-of-line finishes, most complete feature set |
Most people buying a Santa Ana Honda Odyssey start with the LX, but quickly find themselves looking at the EX or EX-L. The power sliding doors and better stereo/navigation system aren't really ‘extras’ - they’re things you’ll regret not having. The Sport version has darkened details on the outside, and that's mainly for anyone who doesn't want their minivan to look exactly like all the others at school. The Touring and Elite are the most expensive and include things for the people in the back to do (rear-seat entertainment), a really good sound system, and all of Honda’s latest safety and driving assistance features.
To find out how much each version costs, ask Freeway Honda, or get a price quote from the website. And if you have a car to trade in, you can get a quick idea of how much it’s worth on the website before you go to the dealership.
Engine, powertrain, and fuel economy
The 2026 Odyssey uses a 3.5 liter V6 engine (and it gets its power the old fashioned way, without a turbo) along with a 9 speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway. This engine and transmission combination is reliable and very smooth; it’s a V6 that’s been improved upon over and over. And for those of us who drive a lot on the 405 or the 5 freeway, that's good for both effortlessly going past other cars and for it not changing gears repeatedly when you’re trying to get onto the highway.
The 28 highway MPG matters because freeway commuting is a daily reality here. Fullerton to Costa Mesa, or a weekly trip up to LA with the whole family in the van, that highway number keeps fuel costs reasonable even with a full eight-passenger load.
How the 2026 Odyssey compares: Sienna, Pacifica, and Carnival
The minivan segment is small but the competition is real. Here is how the Odyssey lines up against the three rivals Santa Ana shoppers ask about most:
| Feature | 2026 Honda Odyssey | 2026 Toyota Sienna | 2026 Chrysler Pacifica | 2026 Kia Carnival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 | Hybrid only | Gas or PHEV | 3.5L V6 |
| Seating | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| AWD available | No | Yes | No | No |
| Fuel economy (hwy) | ~28 MPG | Higher (hybrid) | Varies by powertrain | Competitive |
| Key differentiator | V6 smoothness, reliability track record | Hybrid efficiency, AWD | PHEV option, lower base price | SUV-inspired styling, aggressive pricing |
For the 2026 Toyota Sienna, you only get a hybrid, and all-wheel drive is available as an option. This gives you better gas mileage than the Odyssey, and it’s good if you sometimes drive up to the mountains. However, it’s a different experience to drive. The Sienna’s hybrid system is focused on being efficient, not the lovely, easily-gotten power of the V6 engine the Odyssey has.
What is really special about the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica is its plug-in hybrid option. You can drive this on electric for short trips in places like Anaheim or Garden Grove, and then the gasoline engine will start. It’s also a little cheaper to begin with than the Odyssey. It has seven seats, whereas the others have eight.
Kia are aiming for the Carnival to look more like an SUV, and some people like this. It will hold eight passengers, and is generally cheaper than similar versions of its rivals. Honda’s Odyssey does better at holding its value for a longer time, and many people in Orange County really rate Honda for being reliable.
Simply put, if you’d prefer a smooth V6, room for eight, and Honda’s history of being dependable, and you aren't keen on a hybrid, the Odyssey is a very sensible choice.
Why the Odyssey fits Orange County family life
Families in Orange County need to do a lot with their cars. They’re doing school runs in Santa Ana, driving to soccer at Great Park in Irvine, going to Disney California Adventure Park on weekends, and sometimes getting to an Angels game at Angel Stadium. A family car really has to be able to do all of these things.
The Odyssey, with room for eight, makes complicated carpools a lot easier. The Magic Slide seats in the second row (and this is a feature only Honda offers) mean you can actually get three car seats side by side in that row. Most SUVs with three rows of seats just don't have enough space to do that. You can move those middle seats forward or change how they are positioned, and then you have a walkway all the way to the third row, without having to take anyone’s car seat out.
When you fold the very back row of seats all the way down into the floor, the space for your stuff (things like suitcases, sporting gear, or all those bulk purchases from Costco!) is really good, better in fact than a lot of other SUVs with three rows. Those often don't let the third row go completely flat, meaning you're left with a lumpy floor in the back.
And after you get yours, you can get all its maintenance done at our Honda service center (just /schedule-service/). You can also look at our current service offers at /service-specials/ to see how much you could save.
Why buy your 2026 Odyssey from Freeway Honda
We help families from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, Costa Mesa, and all over Orange County. We generally have many different versions of the Odyssey available at the dealership so you can see the features of each one yourself. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to look at our new vehicle list on the website or give us a call to make sure the one you want is here.
Our finance people are experienced with all kinds of customers. You can begin discussing financing by filling out our credit application online. Plus, if you would like a used car, we have a selection of used Hondas and certified pre-owned Hondas, and these have the original factory warranties.
And for your Odyssey, our service department at the dealership can take care of it for as long as you own it, for normal servicing or for Honda parts and accessories.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Honda Odyssey
What is the price of the 2026 Honda Odyssey near Santa Ana?
The 2026 Odyssey comes in six trims, LX through Elite, with pricing that scales from the value-focused LX up to the fully loaded Elite. Exact MSRP and incentives change often, so contact Freeway Honda directly or visit our Santa Ana showroom for trim-specific pricing and any available deals.
Which Honda dealers near Santa Ana have the 2026 Odyssey in stock?
Freeway Honda serves customers from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, and across Orange County. Inventory shifts as new shipments arrive and existing units sell. Check our new vehicle inventory online or contact us to confirm current trim availability.
Can I lease a 2026 Honda Odyssey near Santa Ana?
Freeway Honda may offer lease options on the 2026 Odyssey. Lease terms, residual values, and monthly payments depend on the trim, mileage allowance, down payment, and current Honda Financial Services programs. Contact our finance team for any lease offers currently available.
What are the trim levels of the 2026 Honda Odyssey?
There are six different versions: the LX is the basic one with all the essential features. The EX adds power sliding doors and a better radio/navigation system. If you get the EX-L, you’ll have leather seats and a more comfortable ride overall. The Sport has a darkened look on the outside, and its own special styling. Then the Touring brings in the newest technology, plus entertainment for those in the back seats, and finally, the Elite is the most luxurious and easy-to-use of them all. And, as you go up the list, each version includes everything from the one before it.
What changed on the 2026 Honda Odyssey compared to 2025?
The 2026 Odyssey does the same things as the current generation, and still has all the tech designed for families - CabinWatch, CabinTalk, the Magic Slide seats, and Honda Sensing which is standard on every version. Freeway Honda is the place to go for all the very latest details on what’s been updated for this model year, any changes to what’s included in each trim, and what new colors or features are now available. We at Freeway Honda keep up with Honda's announcements about model year changes as they happen.
How does the 2026 Odyssey compare to the 2026 Toyota Sienna?
The main thing that sets these two apart is how they’re powered. You can only get a Sienna as a hybrid, and all-wheel drive is available with that. The Odyssey, however, has a 3.5 liter V6 engine and front wheel drive. The Sienna is better on gas and that all-wheel drive is handy if you drive in the mountains. The Odyssey gives you a smoother, more typical feel from a V6. They both have seats for eight people, so your choice really depends on if saving on fuel with a hybrid is more important to you, or if you prefer how a V6 performs.
How does the 2026 Odyssey compare to the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica?
The Pacifica has room for seven people, while the Odyssey will fit eight. You can get the Pacifica as a plug-in hybrid (called the Pacifica Hybrid) so you can drive a short distance on electricity alone, but the Odyssey doesn't have anything similar. Also, the Pacifica generally costs a little less when you first buy it. However, the Odyssey is known to be reliable for a long time, and in Orange County, people who will have their minivan for many years do think about how much it will be worth later - and the Odyssey does well in that area.
How does the 2026 Odyssey compare to the 2026 Kia Carnival?
The Carnival’s look is based on designs from different types of vehicles, and it’s for people who don't want everyone to immediately know they're in a minivan. Kia generally gives the Carnival a very competitive price when you look at similar versions of other cars. The Odyssey, like the Carnival, will comfortably seat eight. However, Honda’s reputation for lasting a long time, holding its value well when you sell, and a smoother, more sophisticated V6 engine are all in the Odyssey’s favor.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Honda Odyssey?
You’ll get around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway in the 2026 Honda Odyssey (though those numbers depend on which version you get and your driving style). It doesn't save on gas as well as a hybrid like the Sienna, but 28 mpg on the highway is quite good for a minivan with a V6 engine and is perfectly useable for people driving to work in Orange County, or for drives up and down the California coast.
How many people does the 2026 Honda Odyssey seat?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey has room for eight people in its three rows of seats. In the second row, Honda’s Magic Slide system is used; it lets you arrange the seats for three car seats, a walkway to get to the very back, or lots of space for grown-ups. And when you need to carry things, the third row of seats disappears completely into the floor.
What engine does the 2026 Honda Odyssey have?
A 3.5-liter V6 naturally aspirated engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. No turbocharger, no hybrid system. It's the same fundamental powertrain architecture Honda has refined over multiple Odyssey generations, and it delivers smooth, predictable power.
Does the 2026 Honda Odyssey come with all-wheel drive?
The 2026 Honda Odyssey has power going to the front wheels; it isn't available with all-wheel drive. In fact, of all the minivans you can buy right now, only the Toyota Sienna comes with AWD. For people in Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Irvine, front-wheel drive is generally sufficient because of the gentle weather in Southern California. But, if all-wheel drive is something you absolutely need, the people on our sales team can discuss with you if the Odyssey is right for you, or if another vehicle would be a better choice.
What safety features come standard on the 2026 Odyssey?
All 2026 Odysseys in the Odyssey trim come with Honda Sensing included - it’s standard. Honda Sensing is a collection of features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and traffic sign recognition. If you choose a more expensive trim, you’ll also get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert. And for a long time, the Odyssey has done very well in safety tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
What is Honda's Magic Slide seat system?
Honda's Odyssey has what they call 'Magic Slide' for the second row of seats. These seats don't just go forwards and backwards, they also move from side to side. Because of this, you can get three car seats, all facing the front, to fit next to each other in the second row, or create a really big walkway to get to the very back seats, and you don't have to take out or fold up any of the car seats to do either. You'll only find this on a Honda Odyssey, most other minivans and three-row SUVs don't have anything like it.
What is Honda Sensing and is it standard on the 2026 Odyssey?
Every 2026 Honda Odyssey, no matter which version you choose, comes with Honda Sensing. Honda Sensing is Honda’s collection of technologies that help you drive more safely and actively assist you. It’s comprised of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), the Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow, and Traffic Sign Recognition. You don't have to pay for any extra packages or a better trim level to get these features on an Odyssey.
Can I test drive the 2026 Odyssey at Freeway Honda?
Absolutely! Freeway Honda is happy to let you take the 2026 Odyssey for a spin. It’s a good idea to give us a call first to double-check which versions they have in stock, but you can certainly come by whenever you like. Really experiencing the strength of the V6 engine, testing out the Magic Slide seats, and deciding if the interior is a good fit for everyone in your family is best done from behind the wheel.
Where is Freeway Honda located in relation to Santa Ana and Orange County?
People from Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Orange, and Costa Mesa (in fact, all over Orange County) are customers of Freeway Honda. Because we're close to all the main freeways in the OC, getting to our showroom is simple no matter where you are in the county. For specific directions, you’ll find them on our hours and directions page.
Schedule your 2026 Honda Odyssey test drive
To really figure out if the 2026 Odyssey is right for everyone in your family, you have to be inside one. Try out the driver and passenger seats, put the very back row down flat, play around with Magic Slide, and drive it around Santa Ana and on the highway. Freeway Honda makes getting to know it easy, they don't push you, they won't surprise you with anything, and they will give you honest information.
So, are you thinking of doing something about getting a new car? You can book a test drive of the Odyssey version you’re hoping for, just by calling or sending Freeway Honda a message. Or, you can look at the Odysseys currently on the lot by following this link to our new vehicles. If you need a price, or you'd like to know what your current car is worth as a trade in, our team will give you figures specific to your situation by way of this contact page. Freeway Honda is the place families all over Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine and Orange County go for a Honda and we’d happily assist you in finding the perfect 2026 Odyssey for your family.