22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but it’s a reality most 2024 Honda Odyssey owners willingly accept. They aren’t shopping for hybrid efficiency; they’re buying a minivan, and more specifically, the van known for its spaciousness, smooth ride, and family-friendly features. This 3.5L V6-powered Odyssey is about hauling kids, cargo, and occasionally, the entire soccer team. Fuel economy is a consideration, but it’s further down the priority list than usability and reliability.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2024 Honda Odyssey equipped with the 3.5L V6 and 10-speed automatic are 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving that many Odyssey owners experience during school runs and errands. The highway number is more optimistic, representing steady-state cruising at legal speeds. While 28 MPG is attainable on longer trips, drivers should expect the overall average to settle somewhere between these two figures depending on their driving habits.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Honda Odyssey at $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual spending will vary based on local fuel costs and driving style, of course. If you primarily drive in the city or frequently accelerate aggressively, expect to spend more. Conversely, if you do a lot of highway driving and practice efficient techniques, you might beat the EPA’s estimate. For drivers who stay informed by tracking all Honda fuel economy data, this figure is a valuable benchmark.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized estimate, real-world MPG often differs. Odyssey owners report numbers slightly below the combined 22 MPG. This can be attributed to factors like carrying heavy loads, using accessories like air conditioning and the rear entertainment system, and driving in challenging conditions like hills or strong winds. The 10-speed automatic transmission is programmed for efficiency, and it prioritizes higher gears to keep the engine revs low in normal driving. Aggressive acceleration will obviously result in lower fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other minivans, the 2024 Honda Odyssey’s fuel economy is competitive, but there are some differences. The Chrysler Pacifica, in its non-hybrid configuration, achieves a similar 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The Toyota Sienna, however, is exclusively available as a hybrid and boasts a significantly better 36 MPG combined. While the Sienna offers superior fuel efficiency, it does come with a different driving experience and a higher initial price tag. The ODYSSEY MPG across all years shows a consistent range for this model, indicating that Honda has optimized this powertrain for its intended purpose, within certain constraints. The Kia Carnival, another competitor, mirrors the Odyssey closely with an EPA-estimated 19 city and 26 highway.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Odyssey’s V6 engine benefits from smooth, gradual acceleration. Avoid abrupt starts and stops, as these actions consume more fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. This will allow the 10-speed automatic to function optimally, keeping engine RPMs low and maximizing fuel economy.

Proper tire inflation is critical. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. A simple tire pressure gauge can make a big difference in your daily fuel usage.

Reduce unnecessary weight. The more weight the Odyssey carries, the harder the engine has to work, and the more fuel it consumes. Remove any items from the cargo area that you don’t need, such as sports equipment or tools, to improve fuel efficiency.

Minimize idling. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for an extended period, turn off the engine. Even idling for a few minutes each day can accumulate over time and significantly reduce your MPG. This is especially true in urban environments with frequent stoplights and traffic jams.

Consider using cruise control on highway drives. Maintaining a consistent speed with cruise control can help to optimize fuel economy. However, be mindful of the terrain and road conditions. Using cruise control on hilly roads can sometimes reduce efficiency as the system works to maintain a set speed uphill.