2021 Honda Odyssey, USA vs Japan - two very different cars, same name

For a select few who dare to be different, the Honda Odyssey is what pops in their mind if someone says '7-seater Japanese MPV'. As we start the new year and look towards welcoming the Odyssey here in Malaysia sometime in 2021, let's take a look at the differences between the Japan- and American-spec Odyssey. 

Same name, different cars

Yes they share the same name, but both cars are actually rather different. You have customer choices to thank for that. 

The first-generation Odyssey was launched in 20-October 1994 after many, many development hurdles. Essentially, it came at a time when interest in sedans were dwindling (not that it's any different today) following Japan's economic crisis of the 1990s, and was Honda's answer in the then-growing Recreational Vehicle (RV) segment. 

Alas, it was a little small for Americans and subsequently didn't really do too well Stateside. Subsequent generations of the Odyssey introduced different market variations - chief among which is the U.S.-spec Odyssey that was introduced in 1998.

The most glaring variation between both markets' cars is the size: the Odyssey sold in America has always been larger than the Japan-spec one. This is also because of Japan's taxation system that is based on a car's body size.

Also, the older Odysseys had to deal with Japanese car parks' height limits, which made them lower. However, since the Honda Elysion was discontinued, the Odyssey had to play double-roles again so up went the height.

For Malaysians though, we get the Japan-spec Odyssey, and the model you see here in this post is earmarked for introduction here sometime this year.

Dimensions - which is bigger?

Let's start with the figurative elephant in the room: as you'd expect, the United States domestic market (USDM) car is much bigger and heavier compared to the Japanese domestic market (JDM) car. Here's how they match up:

The U.S.-spec Odyssey then addresses the main concerns that caused it to branch out from the Japan-spec in the first place: size and space constraints.

Exterior - Japan-spec looks cooler

Looks are subjective, but in some cases there may just be a unanimous winner. Case in point is how much better the Japan-spec Odyssey looks like compared to its American counterpart. It's sleeker, with a more windswept profile compared to the American car. 

We really love the wheels on the JDM-spec Odyssey - talk about looking fast!

Same goes to the front and rear fascias - while both get LED head and tail lights, their styles are rather different. The JDM version is more imposing and looks more in-line with Honda's current design language, while the USDM one looks a bit last-gen. 

The treatments round the back are different too - notice how the JDM one looks more 'current', with a tail lamp design that looks similar to the units on our Honda City. Meanwhile, the USDM one has a taillight pattern that mirrors our Honda Accord.  

Interior - US-spec looks techier

Much like the outside, the USDM Odyssey has a completely different cabin with a different dashboard, centre console and even upholstery shades. The USDM Odyssey's dashboard is a little more space-age with a push-button gear selector and digital instrument cluster. 

Meanwhile the JDM Odyssey looks a few notches simpler but it's no less high-tech. The JDM Odyssey comes with a conventional gear selector and analogue instrument cluster. There's also a semi-digital cluster, but that's only on the e:HEV hybrid variants of the Odyssey.

Seating for 7 is unchanged across both models, with nifty creature comforts choices for different markets.

For example, the JDM Odyssey can be specified with a 100W power outlet (great for camping), while the USDM one comes with CabinWatch - a camera-based system that reminds drivers of rear-seat occupants before they leave their vehicle.

And of course, don't forget there's two different ways of flexing your Odyssey's rear doors too. The JDM Odyssey's latest talking point is the gesture-controlled sliding doors. The US-spec car also has powered sliding doors, but that's controlled only by the keyfob. 

Powertrain - also different

The JDM spec Odyssey comes with two powertrain options: a pure petrol, 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder mill and a petrol-electric hybrid option:

Ready for an Odyssey in Malaysia?

As mentioned, we've been traditionally receiving the JDM Odyssey here in Malaysia, and it's not something that will change for the next itieration. So far, there's been not much information shared about when the facelifted Odyssey will make its way here, but do keep your eyes peeled on WapCar.my for more on the upcoming Odyssey.