Which Is the Better Choice: The Honda Pilot or the Honda Odyssey?
July 17 2025,
When you're looking for a spacious and versatile family vehicle, two Honda models tend to stand out: the Pilot and the Odyssey. Both offer strong advantages when it comes to comfortably transporting your family and your gear—but which one is the better fit for your lifestyle? Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right decision.
Two Different Approaches to Family Travel
The Honda Pilot and the Honda Odyssey are both tailored for today’s families—but they take different approaches. The Pilot is a midsize SUV with seating for seven or eight, a rugged design, and light off-road capabilities. The Odyssey is a minivan built to maximize interior space and on-road convenience, offering seating for eight and clever storage solutions throughout.
Space and Comfort: A Slight Edge for the Odyssey
If maximizing space is your top priority, the Odyssey comes out ahead. Designed for comfort and practicality, it offers generous room for passengers and cargo. The second-row Magic Slide seats and removable seating make it easy to reconfigure the interior to fit your family’s changing needs. It can even carry flat 4x8 plywood sheets in the rear—showcasing just how versatile it really is.
The Pilot also offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with fold-flat seats and a usable third row that works well for kids or short trips with adults. But when it comes to access and interior flexibility, it can’t quite match the Odyssey’s minivan-friendly layout.
Power and Capability
Both models are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering around 280 to 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. They also share a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
Where the Pilot sets itself apart is in towing and all-weather capability. Properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 lb—enough for a midsize trailer. The Odyssey, by comparison, can tow a small trailer but isn't built for heavier loads.
The Pilot also offers all-wheel drive and multiple drive modes tailored to snow, sand, or rougher roads—making it a strong choice for those navigating Quebec winters or heading off the beaten path.
Technology and Safety Features
In terms of technology, both the Odyssey and Pilot are well equipped. You’ll find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the board, along with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features. These include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Odyssey, however, adds a few family-friendly features that are exclusive to minivans—like CabinWatch, which lets you see rear-seat passengers on the central screen, and CabinTalk, which lets you speak to rear-seat passengers through the speaker system. These little conveniences can make a big difference for families with young kids.
When to Choose One Over the Other
Choose the Pilot if you’re after a well-rounded vehicle that blends space, towing power, and capability for rougher conditions. Its muscular stance, solid wheels, and all-wheel drive make it a reliable partner for outdoor adventures as well as day-to-day commutes.
Go with the Odyssey if your top priorities are comfort, space, and ease of use for family life. Its modular seating, storage-friendly layout, and family-first tech make it an unbeatable option for city driving, school runs, road trips, and everything in between.
The Bottom Line
Your choice between the Honda Pilot and the Honda Odyssey really comes down to how you live and travel. The Pilot is perfect for families who need flexibility, rugged performance, and a bit of adventure. The Odyssey shines for those who want unmatched interior space and family-oriented features that simplify everyday life.
Either way, you can count on Honda’s trademark reliability, safety, and long-term value—making both vehicles smart investments for growing Canadian families.
