2021 Honda Odyssey Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The minivan market may be limited in comparison to its ever-growing SUV counterparts, but the 2021 Honda Odyssey offers unmatched convenience and customization that sets it a cut above. With easy slide-and-fold second row seating along with impressive technology features like an onboard vacuum on higher trim levels - moms everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief! Not only is this vehicle roomy and functional, but you'll also have peace of mind from its strong V6 engine powertrain for secure handling no matter where your family's next adventure takes them.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey has the power and capacity that families need, but there are a few drawbacks to consider. Its V6 packs a punch, however its fuel economy is not ideal for large family households. Additionally, the third row of seats doesn't fold down when you want some extra cargo space and its forward collision warning system can be overactive at times. With all this taken into account it's important to carefully assess each trim level as they vary in cost depending on their features; so follow along with our comparison review for more details about which one might best suit your needs.

Compare the Odyssey LX vs EX. What is the difference?

Let's start things off with the 2021 Honda Odyssey's base LX trim level and its safety features. Every trim level comes with the Honda Sensing suite, which bundles safety and driver assistance technology. This bundle includes a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with a low-speed following feature, automatic high beam headlights, brake assist, and a multi-angle rear-view camera with guidelines. A tire pressure monitoring system, LED daytime running lights, and Advanced Compatibility Engineering for the body structure are also standard features.

The EX has all of these features but adds a blind spot monitoring system and dynamic guidelines on the rear-view camera.

Technology is broad on even the base LX. Its standard features include a 5-inch LCD display, a single 1.0-amp USB audio interface on the center console, a 7-speaker sound system with a subwoofer added in, Bluetooth hands-free audio streaming and calling, an MP3/auxiliary input jack, a 2.5-amp USB charge-only port, and 12-volt power outlets up front and in the cargo area.

The EX adds quite a bit more though. You get Cabin Control Remote Capability, an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, HD Radio, SMS text messaging, and a 2.5-amp USB smartphone/audio interface.

Creature comforts don't end there though. Far from it. The LX equips standard convenience features like automatic climate control, power door locks that can be programmed, a push button start function, one-touch turn indicators, a tilt and telescoping steering column, dual illuminated vanity mirrors up front, a locking glove compartment, beverage holders in each row, capless fuel filling, four garment hooks, heater ducts for the rear seat, a storage well in the rear, a front passenger-side lower seatback pocket, auto up/down on the front windows, and black floor mats for the first two rows.

The EX swaps in a tri-zone automatic climate control system. It also adds programmable tailgate locks, and second-row integrated sunshades.

The LX comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, while the front passenger seat is 4-way power-adjustable. The third row is a Magic Seat, meaning that this 60/40-split folding seat has a one-touch function that moves it. Seating capacity maxes out at 7 with the second-row captain's chairs. The EX seats 8, and the driver's seat gets upgraded to 12-way power-adjustability with 4-way power lumbar support. Also, heated front seats come standard on the EX.

These two trims are hard to tell apart from the exterior though. They both have LED headlights, rear privacy glass, and integrated LED light bars in the LED taillights. There are also variable intermittent windshield wipers, black side sills, remote entry, and black door handles. The EX gets upgraded to programmable remote entry, heating on the power side mirrors, and chrome door handles. It also gets power sliding doors, LED fog lights, and a black fin-style roof-mounted antenna.

Now, let's not forget to mention the standard V6 engine, which gets paired up with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This generates 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, which is definitely enough to give the Odyssey some get-up-and-go power. Hill start assist comes equipped, as do active noise cancellation and an Eco Assist System. To this, the EX only adds remote engine start.

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

So, what does the 'L' in EX-L mean? Whatever it means, it alludes to the fact that the EX-L gets a few extra things equipped. A second 2.5-amp charge-only port gets added, as does a third-row 12-volt power outlet. The Home Link Remote System gets made standard, as do an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and second-row lower seatback pockets.

Two-position memory gets added to the driver's seat, and leather trim comes on the front and second-row outboard seats. The front passenger's seat gains 4-way power lumbar support.

On the outside, the EX-L gains memory and reverse gear tilt-down on the side mirrors. It also features an acoustic glass windshield, a one-touch power moonroof with a tilting feature, and programmable height on the power tailgate.

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

The Touring trim level becomes even more sophisticated than the EX-L. Just how does it manage to do that? Well, it tacks on a good number of extra standard features. This trim level gives you handy features like an in-car PA system called Cabin Talk (which can be heard only through the headphones given), an advanced rear seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch hi-res screen and Bluray DVD player, a front 115-volt power outlet, an HDMI interface, a built-in navigation system with HD digital traffic and voice recognition, a Cabin Watch rear seat monitor, subscription services to Honda Link, and wi-fi hot spot connectivity.

The front row also gets upper seatback pockets, and there is lovely blue ambient interior lighting. Also, the side sills become body-colored and fin-style antenna mounted onto the roof. There are front and rear parking sensors too.

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

With the 2021 Honda Odyssey's Elite trim level, luxury is no longer a distant dream for minivan owners. Not only does this top-tier option boast an expansive 11-speaker sound system with 550 watts of power and a subwoofer - it also includes multi-zone audio capabilities and even wireless phone charging! Why settle for anything less than extraordinary when you can have the ultimate in comfort, convenience, fun - and style?

As far as creature comforts go, the Elite gets beefed up with a heating function for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which feels fantastic in the winter months. The instrument panel gains the blue ambient lighting found throughout the rest of the cabin. Additionally, the HondaVAC vacuum system that we mentioned earlier comes standard on this trim level. And, as a nice touch, the front seats are both heated and ventilated for your comfort.

The exterior also gains some distinguishing characteristics. The roofline spoiler with the integrated brake light becomes body-colored. The variable intermittent windshield wipers are able to sense rain, and the side mirrors gain power folding and auto-dimming functions. Also, the front and rear doors gain the same type of acoustic glass that is used on the windshield. To top all of that off, the power tailgate gains hands-free access. This makes getting into the cargo area a lot easier when you have your hands full of groceries or other bulky items.

Final Thoughts

As is evident by this point, the 2021 Honda Odyssey is a line-up that is full of excellent choices. No matter which one you go for, you get that powerful V6 engine (that unfortunately guzzles up a bit too much gas for the liking) which helps get this big ol' mini-van moving like it is a smaller SUV. And the 10-speed automatic transmission provides for some seamless shifting between the gears.

But which trim level is going to be the one that works the best for the average buyer this model year? They all have something good to offer, but we think that sticking with the EX trim level is going to be the way for most people to go. Why do we think that this is so? Well, the addition of standard blind spot monitoring is a real selling point for families wanting the utmost in safety features. This rounds out an already bountiful list of standard driver aids.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offers fantastic value, with the EX trim level providing a great balance of comfort and affordability. Families can enjoy ample space in both the cabin and cargo area - not to mention plenty of nooks for all kindsamusingly-sized items! Moreover, tech fans will be pleasantly surprised by how many standard infotainment features come equipped on this model; while those who like an extra bit more luxury might consider opting up to the Touring or Elite trims. All things considered it's very difficult to make a wrong choice when choosing one from this lineup.