Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Minivan That Time ForgotThe Honda Odyssey used to be the top dog in the small minivan segment... back in 2009. The current and fifth-gen Odyssey has never been the top seller since its introduction in 2018, and this design is now getting dated in its ninth year without any major changes. It's starting to be come the skinny jeans of the minivan set.So, will the Odyssey continue to go unchanged? Honda Motor Co. placed an aggressive bet on electric vehicles, but that strategy has now been upended. What once looked like a bold push toward EVs has turned into a $15.8 billion setback, and Honda has since canceled models such as the 0-Series SUV, 0-Series Saloon, and the Acura RSX. The huge financial setback was the impetus behind the decision to delay redesigns of the Accord, HR-V, and the Odyssey until 2030. That means the Odyssey would be 13 years old before seeing its sixth generation.HondaThe fifth-generation Odyssey debuted in 2018 as a well-rounded package. It delivered strong V6 performance, excellent packaging, and genuinely clever usability features like Magic Slide second-row seats and the built-in HondaVAC for higher trim levels (which it killed in 2022). At launch, it felt competitive and thoughtful. But nearly a decade later, the Odyssey already looks and feels old, and it has to last four more years.The Competition Isn't Standing Still2026 Toyota Sienna ToyotaToyota's Sienna reset expectations by going hybrid-only for the current generation, and that seemed to be one of the big keys to its #1 selling position in the segment. Its combination of practicality and fuel economy—often exceeding 35 mpg combined—has made efficiency a core selling point in a category that once didn't seem to care about it. For many buyers, the Sienna now represents the default "modern" minivan. The styling looks like a Japanese bullet train with its huge grille, angular headlight clusters, and big rear haunches.2027 Chrysler Pacifica ChryslerFor years 2022-2025, the Pacific has dominated the minivan sales segment, giving it up to so far this year. For 2027, Chrysler wisely gave the Pacifica a significant refresh that gave the front fascia a whole new and more modern look, even ditching the winged Chrysler emblem. Changes to the back end aren't as noticeable, and the body is the same. Regardless, the fact that Chrysler wants its first-place position back by way of visual tweaks means it cares about its target market that largely consists of Millennial families and active parents. Sadly, there's no more PHEV variant now that Stellantis has ended production of all its plug-in hybrid models.2026 Carnival HybridAdvertisementAdvertisementKia's Carnival may be the most disruptive entrant of them all since it trades traditional minivan styling for an SUV-like profile while delivering one of the most upscale interiors in the segment. The recent refresh gave it a more aggresssive front end and a more modern lighting signature. Kia even added an efficient hybrid variant in 2025, something the Odyssey won't even offer for its latest version. The Carnival and Carnival Hybrid aren't the most capacious minivans in the segment, but it has the most modern interior you'll find.Where the Odyssey Feels DatedToyota made its current generation hybrid only. Chrysler had a PHEV for a few years. Kia just debuted a hybrid version of its minivan. But not the Odyssey. The Odyssey's naturally aspirated V6 is smooth and capable, but it now feels woefully behind the times. Fuel economy, once a secondary consideration for minivan buyers, has become a primary factor—and this is where the Odyssey lags behind the others. 22 mpg combined gets handily beat by the Sienna (36 mpg combined) and the Carnival Hybrid (33 mpg combined).HondaIn terms of styling, the Odyssey held up well but is starting to look dated. A couple of years from now, virtually no one will be paying attention to it, as exemplified by declining sales. It's now in third place, and behind it is the Kia Carnival with the most sales growth of any minivan largely thanks to improved styling and the hybrid option. The Pacifica look great with the refresh, and the Sienna is three years newer than the Odyssey, so it looks fresher. The interior is also a generation behind, and it doesn't exhibit the same styling excellence as the newer Civic, Pilot, Passport, and CR-V.HondaTechnology is another area where the Odyssey lags behind. While Honda has updated infotainment and safety features over time, the Odyssey's system lacks the seamless, software-driven experience that newer platforms like the Kia Carnival provide, and its look and operation aren't nearly as good as the others, despite the fact that it's a well-sized 12.8" unit. The audio and cliamte control buttons are physical, a plus for drivers of large families, but the center stack/console looks cluttered compared to competitors.Final ThoughtsA 13-year lifecycle only works if the product continues to feel relevant, and the Odyssey is already falling behind. Without any planned facelift, particularly in electrification and in-car technology, the Odyssey risks losing ground not just in sales, but in consumer perception. Minivan buyers may be practical, but they want fresh design, tech, and features.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Odyssey now feels like an also-ran. Vehicles like the Sienna and Carnival prove that efficiency, design, and technology can reshape expectations even in a conservative and family-friendly segment. Let's hope Honda at least updates the Odyssey's front fascia, infotainment, and dash in the next couple of years.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.