Back in June, Honda announced that its flagship MPV, the Honda Odyssey will be discontinued in Japan in December 2021. This marks the end of the once popular and revolutionary minivan and many Honda dealers in Japan weren’t happy with this news.
The news of the Odyssey's discontinuation was due to the closure of Honda's ageing palnt in Sayama. The plant which was operational since 1964 also produced the Legend and the Clarity.
It felt quite abrupt to some given that the Odyssey was only updated in late 2020 with new features including doors that automatically slide when you use the force hands-free. With that being said, Honda is mulling on a replacement of the Odyssey which would be launched by the end of 2022.
According to a scoop by Best Car Web, the Odyssey’s replacement could be taller than the outgoing model and would be positioned above the Stepwgn. Speaking of the Stepwgn, Honda’s pair of large MPVs are no match compared to Toyota’s offerings, the Voxy and Alphard in terms of sales.
The Stepwgn's "Waku-Waku" doors, a clever way to get into the third row
JADA sales data H1 2021
Model
Number of units sold
Position
Toyota Alphard
56,778
3rd
Toyota Voxy
41,101
8th
Honda Stepwgn
21,262
17th
Honda Odyssey
10,524
34th
Based on the Japan Automobile Dealers Association’s (JADA) sales data for the first half of 2021, Toyota's pair of MPVs ranked in the top ten while Honda's duo languished around the top 50.
As there is still some demand for the Odyssey, the replacement could once again be different compared to the North American version. Based on Best Car Web’s rendering, the Odyssey replacement could sport an imposing front grille, similar to the current Alphard.
In terms of powertrain, the replacement could carry over the same powerplants as the outgoing Odyssey. Those engines are either a petrol-powered 2.4-litre 4-cylinder (175 PS/225 Nm) or a 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid engine (145 PS/175 Nm) paired with 2 electric motors (184 PS/315 Nm).
Meanwhile, Malaysian buyers anticipating the arrival of the facelifted Odyssey might have to wait much longer given the country’s current situation. Though rest assured, stocks will still be available even after the plant closes in Japan.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
