22 MPG combined is what most 2021 Honda Odyssey owners experience. This isn’t a sports car; it’s a tool for transporting a small army (and all their gear), designed as a stylish family vehicle. The Odyssey driver prioritizes space, reliability, and resale value, accepting that fuel economy is a necessary compromise.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2021 Honda Odyssey at 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number may be disappointing, especially for drivers who frequently shuttle kids between school, activities, and errands in stop-and-go traffic. However, the highway figure is more reasonable. Long road trips, where the Odyssey is a comfortable and capable cruiser, can achieve decent fuel economy if driven carefully. This difference in fuel economy, higher on the highway and lower in the city, is common for larger, naturally aspirated vehicles.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2021 Honda Odyssey at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices. Expect to spend more if you primarily drive in the city or drive aggressively. If you mainly drive on the highway, you might spend less than $2,000.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, most Odyssey owners report slightly different numbers. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips in cold weather, and a full load of passengers and cargo can lower the combined MPG to the high teens. Careful highway driving with cruise control can increase the MPG closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s 28 MPG estimate. Ultimately, your mileage will vary, and monitoring your own consumption is the best way to understand what to expect from your Odyssey.

How it compares

The 2021 Honda Odyssey’s fuel economy is similar to other minivans in its class. The Chrysler Pacifica, for example, achieves a similar 19 MPG city / 28 MPG highway rating with its V6 engine, though the Pacifica offers a plug-in hybrid variant that significantly improves fuel economy in city driving. The Toyota Sienna, now only available as a hybrid, gets 36 MPG combined, which makes it a good option for those who want to save on gas. However, the Sienna’s hybrid drivetrain has a different driving experience and potentially higher maintenance costs. For those considering SUVs, models like the Kia Telluride (20 MPG combined) and Hyundai Palisade (21 MPG combined) offer three-row seating, but generally don’t match the Odyssey’s passenger and cargo capacity. The choice often comes down to prioritizing space and utility (Odyssey) versus lower fuel costs (Sienna) or style (SUVs). Check out ODYSSEY MPG across all years to see how this model’s efficiency has evolved.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Odyssey’s 3.5L V6 is a reliable engine that’s also sensitive to driving habits. Avoiding rapid acceleration and hard braking will improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a steady speed can make a noticeable difference.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended specifications listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Hauling around extra cargo in the back increases fuel consumption. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy items, to lighten the load and improve fuel efficiency. This is important given the vehicle’s weight.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing fluctuations in acceleration and deceleration. This can lead to fuel savings on long highway drives, where the Odyssey already performs well.

Consider eco mode, if equipped. While it may slightly reduce throttle response and performance, eco mode optimizes the engine and transmission settings for improved fuel efficiency. Check all Honda fuel economy data for more information.