2020 Honda Odyssey Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Minivans are not exactly known for being fun. Instead, most focus on being large haulers of passengers. They are supposed to be practical and efficient. The 2020 Honda Odyssey turns expectations for minivans on their head by offering a spunky, entertaining ride in addition to being able to haul an entire family.

The biggest problem with getting an Odyssey is figuring out which trim level has all of the features that you need. While the LX will sound appealing at first because of its reasonable starting MSRP, it lacks a lot of the safety and infotainment features that you can get on the EX and above trim levels.

There are five trims for buyers to choose from: the base LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Since picking between them can be tough, it is important to know how they stack up against each other. Maybe having the LX's basics will work for you, or maybe you need some of the more high-tech stuff found on the Elite.

That being said, read through this comparison, which is meant to help guide you toward making the decision on which - if any - 2020 Honda Odyssey trim level to buy.

Compare the 2020 Honda Odyssey LX vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

The 2020 Honda Odyssey's base trim is the LX. It is composed of the absolute basics, which might make a lot of buyers overlook it. However, it is affordable and does offer some really good things. For starters, it does have a decent amount of safety features. The list of active safety features includes a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines, daytime running lights, and brake assist. Also, the LX has all the standard passive safety features you need, such as child safety locks and an easy-to-use LATCH system.

With regard to audio features, the LX is equipped with a 5-inch LCD touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, an MP3/auxiliary input jack, and front and cargo area 12-volt power outlets.

Of course, there are a good amount of convenience features available too. The LX has automatic climate control, programmable power door locks, cruise control, push button start, illuminated vanity mirrors for the visors up front, a front bag hook, map lights in all rows, a cap-less fuel filler, illuminated controls mounted onto the steering wheel for easy access, and auto-up/down power front windows. There is also a sunglasses holder with the conversation mirror.

Seating is super cozy on all of the trim levels, and the seats are easy to adjust. The LX has an 8-way power adjustable driver seat and a front passenger seat that is 4-way power adjustable. The third row Magic Seat is especially handy since it makes getting that row down extremely easy, and the seat does go flat. This opens up quite a bit of cargo space. The LX can hold up to seven people while all other trims can hold eight.

The outside of the LX is just as nifty as the inside. It has an array of contemporary features that add to its sleek design. Exterior features include multi-reflector halogen lights with auto-off, a security system, rear privacy glass, remote entry, black side sills, and black power side mirrors.

What is under the hood, though? That is absolutely important when buying a new vehicle. The Odyssey has a surprising amount of power. The LX is powered by a V6 engine that garners 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. There is an Eco Assist System, active noise cancelling, and hill start assist. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes standard. Together, this powertrain gets 22 mpg combined (with 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway). For a minivan, those are some decent numbers.

The LX has a good amount of standard equipment for a base trim, but the EX really kicks things up a notch. This trim level adds a huge number of safety features. Honda Sensing comes on the EX and all above trim levels and is absolutely worth the upgrade. This suite consists of a collision mitigation system, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist system, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and automatic high-beam headlights are also standard on the EX. Also, the multi-angle rearview camera gets dynamic guidelines and the daytime running lights get upgraded to LED.

The EX also gets a lot more in the way of infotainment features. The 5-inch touchscreen from the LX gets swapped out in favor of an 8-inch touchscreen. Features that get tacked on include CabinControl Remote Compatibility, HondaLink, smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and a 2.5-amp USB smarpthone/audio interface.

In terms of convenience features, the EX gets some nice upgrades. There are lower seatback pockets on both front seats, auto-up/down on the first and second row's windows, floor mats for all rows, integrated sunshades for the second row, tri-zone automatic climate control, and programmable door and tailgate locks. The seats see upgrades as well, with the driver seat becoming 12-way power adjustable and adding power lumbar support. Also, you get Magic Slide second-row seats, a multi-function second-row center seat, and heating on the front seats.

The exteriors also look a bit different if you pay attention to the details. For example, the door handles are set in chrome, and the side mirrors gain heating and turn indicators. Other upgrades include multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-on/off and wiper link, power sliding doors, smart entry with walk away auto lock, fog lights, and a black roof-mounted fin antenna.

The only change under the hood is that the EX gets remote engine start. Otherwise, everything is the same for the EX on up. While having only one engine option can sometimes be a bad thing, it isn't on the Odyssey. This engine gives a solid performance on all trim levels.

Compare the 2020 Honda Odyssey EX vs EX-L Trims.  What is the difference?

The EX has a lot of great features, and the EX-L builds upon that foundation. All of the safety features are the same as on the EX. The third row gains a 12-volt power outlet, but this is the only difference in terms of infotainment features.

A few noteworthy additions come in the form of convenience features. First off, the EX-L gains the HomeLink Remote System, which is handy for controlling your home's doors and electricity from the comfort of your vehicle. There is also an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a lovely leather-wrapped steering wheel. The driver's seat gains two-position memory capabilities, and the front and outboard second-row seats gain chic leather trim.

The exterior of the EX-L is given an acoustic glass windshield, which helps reduce the amount of wind noise that tries to make its way into the cabin. Other features that get equipped are the one-touch power moonroof with a tilting function, memory-linked side mirrors with reverse gear tilt-down, and a power tailgate that has a programmable height function.

Compare the 2020 Honda Odyssey EX-L vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The Touring tends to be a popular trim level on Honda vehicles, and it certainly has a lot to offer on the 2020 Odyssey. It adds a massive number of infotainment features. These features are the CabinTalk In-Car PA System (which is great for when you need to converse with your children in the third row), an advanced rear entertainment system (which includes a high-resolution 10.2-inch screen, a Blu-ray player, and built-in streaming apps), a 115-volt/150-watt power outlet up front, an HDMI interface, the Honda satellite-linked navigation system (which shows HD digital traffic and uses voice recognition), a CabinWatch rear seat monitor, HondaLink subscription services, and Wi-Fi hot spot capability.

Things get even more attractive - and cozy, of course - inside the Touring's cabin. The Touring gets integrated sun shades for the third row, HondaVAC, and upper seatback pockets on the front row seats. On the outside, the side sills are body-colored, as is the fin antenna. The fog lights get upgraded to LED, and the tailgate becomes hands-free. There are also front and rear body-colored sensors and LED headlights with WiperLink and an auto-on/off function.

Compare the 2020 Honda Odyssey Touring vs Elite Trims.  What is the difference?

As if the Touring does not have enough amazing features, the Elite gets packed with even more creature comforts. The 7-speaker audio system from the lower trim levels gets replaced by a 550-watt premium sound system with 11 speakers and a subwoofer. Also, the Elite adds multi-zone audio and a wireless phone charger.

When it comes to the cabin, there are some pretty luxurious upgrades. The leather-wrapped steering wheel gains a heating function, and there is gorgeous blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Also, the front seats are both heated and ventilated.

There are some details on the body that give the Elite a distinctive look. The roof-line spoiler with its integrated brake light are body-colored, and the windshield wipers are rain-sensing. The side mirrors are power folding, and the front and rear doors also get treated to some acoustic glass. Also, unlike the other trim levels, which are equipped with 18-inch wheels, the Elite gets upgraded to 19-inch wheels done in machine-finished alloy and adorned with a glossy black insert.

Overall, the Elite has a borderline luxury vibe to it, even though it is not a luxury vehicle. Still, it incorporates a lot of creature comforts and gives parents extra features that help them monitor what their kids are doing in the back seats.

Which Trim to Choose?

Whichever trim level you decide to buy, you cannot go wrong with the 2020 Honda Odyssey. It is one of the most highly rated mini-vans on the market for the model year, and Honda has an excellent history of producing reliable Odyssey models fit for any family's needs. Safety is paramount, fuel efficiency comes in a close second, and comfort is an absolute necessity as far as Honda is concerned.

Of course, if there is one trim level that gives you the most bang for your buck, it is the Touring. The EX is a great choice if you are working on a tight budget, but the LX is too basic for most families, and the EX-L does not differentiate itself enough from the EX to make it worthwhile. The line-topping Elite trim has a lot of cool, high-tech features and plenty of things to entertain the kids. However, it might be a bit too much for some drivers.

That's why the Touring is a great compromise. It has a massive list of safety and infotainment features but keeps you around the $45,000 mark. The Elite is about $3,000 more and might be a bit too expensive for the average consumer. If the Touring does seem a bit too pricey for you, go for the EX. But, if you can swing it with your budget, the Touring is where it's at for comfort and entertainment.