2011 Honda Odyssey

What's next for the Honda Odyssey

A gas-electric hybrid version of the fourth-generation Odyssey seems a remote possibility. Honda’s an industry leader in gas-engine fuel economy and is serious about stepping from Toyota’s shadow on the hybrid front. Toyota fields hybrid versions of small cars, midsize cars, SUVs, and through its premium Lexus division, even luxury cars. By contrast, Honda’s hybrid focus seems fixed on subcompact cars, such as the Honda Insight, and compact cars, such as the Honda Civic Hybrid.

Do not, however, count out the diesel as part of Honda’s green initiative. Compared to diesels of the recent past, today’s oil-burners have low emissions and run nearly as smoothly and quietly as gas engines. A diesel’s advantage is impressive torque – the motive power that translates directly into acceleration – and high mileage. The 3.5-liter turbodiesel V-6 rumored to be headed for the 2010 Odyssey (and Honda’s Pilot SUV and Ridgeline pickup) was projected at 30 percent more fuel-efficient than a comparable gasoline engine. The plan looked good with gasoline at $4 per gallon and the economy in good shape. But the recession killed the notion, given the higher cost of a diesel engine over a comparable gas engine, the marketing resources required to get Americans onboard the diesel bandwagon, and the unpredictability of diesel fuel prices. When the economy bounces in a sustained recovery, at least Honda should be diesel-ready.

2011 Honda Odyssey Release Date

Honda says the 2011 Honda Odyssey will go on sale in autumn 2010.