Although the global-spec Honda Odyssey is based on a 13-year-old design, it is not ready to retire. GAC Honda has revealed an updated version of the minivan for China, combining new interior technology with significant price cuts in an effort to remain competitive against newer rivals.
The latest Odyssey generation sold outside North America debuted in late 2013. Japanese production ended in 2021, but Honda’s joint venture with GAC continued building the model in Guangzhou, China.
Honda brought the Odyssey back to Japan in 2023 by importing it directly from China. With a completely new successor still absent, a set of model year updates for 2027 gives the aging minivan another opportunity to stay relevant.
The 4,861 mm (191.4 inches) long minivan retains the exterior design introduced with its latest facelift in 2021. Honda has also left the color palette and alloy wheel designs unchanged.
The 2027 updates concentrate on the spacious three-row interior. The entry-level Pro trim, previously offered without a screen, now includes a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Huawei HiCar, and CarLink connectivity. Other standard equipment includes a wide-angle rearview camera, LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, keyless entry, and double-layer acoustic glass.
Interestingly, the base model’s display is larger than the 10.1-inch infotainment screen fitted to the more expensive Pro+ and Max trims. The latter versions use Honda Connect 3.0 instead of depending on smartphone integration. Standard Pro+ equipment includes dual sunroofs, a power tailgate, a wireless charger, heated seats in the first and second rows, power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with leg rests, and Honda’s Sensing ADAS suite.
The range-topping Max adds eight-point pneumatic seat massage, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, three-stage seat ventilation, dual power-sliding doors, and a digital rearview mirror. Available options include a refrigerator integrated into the center armrest, a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen that can apparently connect to a gaming console, a more advanced JBL HiFi audio system, and aluminum flooring.
There are no mechanical changes. The China-market Odyssey continues to use an e:HEV self-charging hybrid system, combining a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor for a total output of 212 hp (158 kW / 215 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels through an E-CVT transmission.
The lower pricing is another major part of the update, helping the minivan compete more effectively in China. The Honda Odyssey Pro starts at ¥184,800 ($27,500), while the flagship Max reaches ¥241,800 ($36,000). By comparison, the outgoing model cost ¥235,800-328,800 ($35,100-49,000), giving the updated Odyssey considerably stronger value.
The substantial price reductions make the Honda less expensive than many of its Chinese-market competitors, including the Buick GL8, Toyota Sienna and Granvia, GAC Trumpchi M8, BYD Denza D9, Xpeng X9, and Voyah Dreamer. Its pricing now moves closer to the budget-focused Hyundai Custo, although it remains unclear whether the 2027 Odyssey will be offered in Japan.
GAC Honda is extending the life of its aging Odyssey in China with 2027 updates focused on interior technology and value. The entry-level model gains a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer features including massage seats and advanced comfort equipment. The unchanged 212-hp hybrid powertrain remains front-wheel drive, but pricing now starts well below that of the outgoing model and several key rivals.
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