Honda Odyssey Review
2017-2023
The fifth-generation Honda Odyssey (RC1/RC2 petrol, RC4 e:HEV hybrid) is a premium executive MPV imported from Japan. Renowned for its low center of gravity, dual power sliding doors, premium second-row Ottoman captain seats, and sub-2,500 cc customs tax savings, it offers strong competition against the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-2,500 cc import duty advantage: Both 2.0L Hybrid and 2.4L Petrol qualify for KRA 25% excise duty rate.
- First-class Ottoman seating: Second-row captain chairs feature power recline, footrests, and armrests.
- Frugal e:HEV hybrid powertrain: Delivers 20+ km/L in urban traffic for a full-size 7-seater family MPV.
- Low floor height: Enables easy cabin entry for elderly passengers and young children.
What’s not so good
- Modest 150 mm ground clearance: Low front lip requires care over steep estate speed bumps when fully loaded.
- Firm suspension setup: Slightly firmer ride on 18-inch Absolute alloy wheels on rough roads.
- Limited boot space with all 3 rows occupied: Requires folding third row flat for large luggage bags.
Most popular: Odyssey Absolute EX / Hybrid Absolute
5 doorsPetrol, HybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Odyssey (RC1 / RC2 / RC4 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door 7/8-Seater Executive MPV
- Seating capacity
- 7 or 8
- Fuel types
- Petrol (i-VTEC), Full Hybrid (e:HEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,993 cc / 2,356 cc
- Transmission
- CVT Automatic / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD or Real-Time 4WD
- Ground clearance
- 150 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 20.2 km/L (Hybrid) / 13.6 km/L (2.4L Petrol). Tank: 55 L (about 1111 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,164 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,081 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 11,236
- Full tank (55 L)
- KES 12,483
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
Hybrid Absolute / Hybrid Absolute EX / Black Edition
- Setup
2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder petrol paired with dual electric motors (184 hp combined / 315 Nm motor torque), e-CVT, FWD, returning 20.2 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
High fuel economy leader in the executive 7-seater MPV segment, ideal for executive travel and corporate fleets.
- Local consideration
Extremely quiet urban running on EV mode in Nairobi traffic jams.
Package tiers
Honda Odyssey trims progress from standard G AERO packages to luxurious Absolute EX editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| G AERO Package | Comfort base | 8 seats, dual power sliding doors, 16-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate, and Honda Sensing. |
| Absolute | Executive sport | 7 seats with Ottoman chairs, 17-inch dark alloys, chrome grille, and half-leather seats. |
| Absolute EX | Flagship luxury | Full leather interior, hands-free power tailgate, multi-view camera, rear entertainment, and 18-inch wheels. |
About the Honda Odyssey
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Odyssey models sit comfortably inside the direct import window, 2018 units face month-by-month age deadlines, while earlier units are traded locally.
A major financial advantage of the Honda Odyssey is its engine displacement. The 2.0L e:HEV Hybrid (1,993 cc LFB-H4) and 2.4L i-VTEC Petrol (2,356 cc K24W) both stay strictly below 2,500 cc. This qualifies the Odyssey for Kenya Revenue Authority's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket, keeping customs duties much lower than 3.5L V6 MPVs.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
