After a brief hiatus, the Honda Odyssey will once again be available in its home market. Production of the minivan in Saitama, Japan, ended in December 2021, and the remaining stock was sold out by September 2022. However, Honda has decided to bring it back this year by importing it from China
The JDM Honda Odyssey is a new version of the minivan that is unrelated to the US-spec model. It is still based on the second facelift of the fifth generation, which was first introduced in 2013. The updated JDM-spec model features a redesigned grille and a new Black Edition trim that adds gloss black accents to the bodywork and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels finished in black to match.
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The Black Edition of the new JDM-spec Honda Odyssey comes with a range of features including a leather-wrapped interior, heated seats, automatic tri-zone climate control, and a foldable table for the second row. Other features include a 9-inch touchscreen for the Honda Connect infotainment, a wireless charging pad, and the Honda Sensing ADAS suite. Additionally, buyers have the option to upgrade to a larger 11.4-inch infotainment system and add an extra 15.6-inch screen for the rear passengers.
As with the Chinese-market Odyssey, the minivan is exclusively available with a hybrid e:HEV powertrain, comprising a 2.0-liter i-VTEC petrol engine and a single electric motor. The combined output is 181 hp (131 kW / 184 PS) and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels through an E-CVT gearbox.
Honda will start accepting pre-orders for the Odyssey in Japan this fall, with the first models reaching dealerships this winter. The Odyssey is manufactured in China by Guangqi Honda, alongside its Chinese-spec twin. In Japan, the Odyssey will be offered alongside the much newer and similarly-sized Honda Step WGN e:HEV minivan which is locally produced.
