22 MPG combined is an acceptable figure for the 2020 Honda Odyssey, a minivan designed to haul families and their gear with maximum comfort and convenience. It’s not going to win any fuel economy awards, but for parents prioritizing space, safety, and reliability, that number is secondary to its overall utility.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Honda Odyssey at 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions most families encounter during school drop-offs, errands, and after-school activities. The highway number is more optimistic, representing steady cruising ideally suited for longer road trips where the Odyssey’s comfortable seats and smooth ride truly shine. However, keep in mind that a fully loaded Odyssey, a common scenario for most owners, will likely see a dip in both city and highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Honda Odyssey to be $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, split evenly between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price. This is an estimate and your actual fuel costs may be higher or lower depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. For example, families who primarily use the Odyssey for short trips in congested urban areas might see higher fuel costs, while those who frequently take long highway trips might see lower costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy often differs. Odyssey owners have reported figures close to the EPA estimates, especially on longer trips. However, aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads can significantly reduce fuel economy.

Factors like tire pressure and vehicle maintenance play an important role. Keeping your tires properly inflated and adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule will help ensure optimal fuel efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission is quite efficient, but only when driven smoothly. Hard acceleration negates any advantage it provides.

How it compares

The minivan segment offers a few alternatives, each with slightly different fuel economy figures. The Chrysler Pacifica, for example, offers a plug-in hybrid version that can achieve significantly higher MPG in city driving when using its electric range. However, the standard Pacifica with the 3.6L V6 is rated at 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway, mirroring the Odyssey’s numbers. The Kia Carnival, the newest entrant in the segment, achieves a similar 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. The Toyota Sienna, available exclusively as a hybrid after 2021, significantly outperforms the Odyssey, offering 36 MPG combined, making it a good choice for buyers looking to save on gas. For shoppers prioritizing brand loyalty and specific feature sets within the Honda, the slightly lower MPG might be an acceptable compromise. You can find all Honda fuel economy data on our site, as well as ODYSSEY MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. The Odyssey’s 10-speed transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy, but it can only do so effectively with smooth, consistent driving. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and maintain a steady pace whenever possible.

Minimize idling time. Excessive idling consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off the engine. This is especially relevant during school pick-up lines or waiting for kids at extracurricular activities.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. This small act can make a noticeable difference over time.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight. The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it consumes. Remove any unnecessary items from the cargo area and passenger compartment to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. Those extra toys from last summer’s vacation. Bring them inside.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. It also reduces driver fatigue, which can contribute to safer driving. However, use cruise control wisely, disengage it in hilly terrain or heavy traffic where it may cause unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.