Honda's Hidden Odyssey: Built in China, Thriving in Japan After 12 Years

2026 Odyssey e:HEV Receives Minor Updates with a Noticeable Price Hike

The 2026 Honda Odyssey e:HEV has been introduced in Japan, but the changes are minimal. The model now includes rear sunshades and a new paint option, yet it comes with a price increase of ¥286,000 ($1,800). Despite these updates, customer interest remains low, especially given the fierce competition in the market.

A Model That Struggles to Attract Buyers

Honda quietly launched the 2026 Odyssey e:HEV in Japan, but there's little excitement around the update. The changes are so minor that they barely justify the price hike. This is particularly surprising for a model that already faces challenges in attracting buyers.

The JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Odyssey is not related to the North American version. The current generation sold in Japan has been on the market since 2013, though it has undergone two facelifts to keep its design modern. After ceasing domestic production in late 2021, Honda brought back the nameplate in 2023 by importing units from China, which reintroduced the minivan without significant changes.

Exterior Changes Are Subtle

For the 2026 model year, the exterior updates are limited. A new paint option called Diamond Dust Pearl, which mimics the glint of ice crystals in the sky, is available for the Black Edition trim. This variant also features gloss black accents and matching 18-inch wheels. However, these visual changes are relatively minor.

Interior Remains Unchanged

The interior of the 2026 Odyssey e:HEV carries over from the previous model. The only addition is manual roll sunshades on the rear windows. These were previously an optional feature at a cost of ¥27,500 ($180), making them insufficient to justify the recent price increase.

No Mechanical Changes

Mechanically, the Odyssey continues with the same hybrid setup. It uses a 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with a single electric motor, producing a combined 181 hp (131 kW / 184 PS). Power is sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT transmission. There are no significant mechanical updates for the 2026 model.

Price Increase Details

The 2026 Odyssey e:HEV is now available in Japan with prices ranging from ¥5,086,400 to ¥5,450,500 ($32,800 to $35,200). This represents a flat ¥286,000 ($1,800) increase across all trims compared to the previous model.

In comparison, Toyota’s Alphard starts at a similar price of ¥5,100,000 but can go as high as ¥8,820,000 ($32,900 to $56,900). Meanwhile, Nissan’s next-gen Elgrand is set to launch in summer 2026 and could shake up the segment further.

Low Customer Interest and Concerns Among Dealers

According to Creative Trend, customer interest in the large Honda minivan remains low. One dealer reportedly received only a single order since the 2026 model was announced last month. Industry observers are growing concerned about the Odyssey’s competitiveness, with many believing a full redesign is overdue.

Missing Premium Features

The Odyssey lacks several premium features found in rival models, such as four-zone climate control, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, seat ventilation, and head-up display. These omissions may contribute to its struggle in the competitive market.

More Affordable Options for Honda Minivan Enthusiasts

For those living in Japan who still want a Honda minivan, there are more affordable options. The medium-sized Step WGN starts at ¥3,348,400 ($21,600), while the smaller Freed is priced from ¥2,623,500 ($16,900).