The Honda Odyssey IV Touring 3.5 V6 Automatic, produced from 2011 to 2013, represents the pinnacle of the fourth-generation Odyssey minivan. Positioned as the top-tier trim level, it offered a blend of spaciousness, comfort, and performance aimed at families seeking a premium transportation experience. This variant was a key player in Honda’s continued dominance of the minivan segment in North America, building upon the Odyssey’s reputation for reliability and practicality. It was built on the Honda global platform, sharing components with other Honda vehicles of the era.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Odyssey |
| Generation | Odyssey IV |
| Type | Touring 3.5 V6 (248 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7-8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 248 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 339 Nm @ 4800 rpm (250.03 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | J35Z8 |
| Engine displacement | 3471 cm3 (211.81 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, i-VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1087 l (38.39 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4205 l (148.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 79 l (20.87 US gal | 17.38 UK gal) |
| Length | 5153 mm (202.87 in.) |
| Width | 1997 mm (78.62 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2011 mm (79.17 in.) |
| Height | 1737 mm (68.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3000 mm (118.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Rear track | 1732 mm (68.19 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 151 mm (5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 320.04 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 332.74 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 18 |
INTRODUCTION
The fourth-generation Honda Odyssey (2011-2017) marked a significant evolution for the minivan, introducing a more refined interior, improved fuel efficiency, and a host of new technology features. The Touring trim, introduced in 2011, sat at the top of the Odyssey lineup, offering a comprehensive package of luxury and convenience. It was designed to compete directly with other premium minivans like the Toyota Sienna Limited and Chrysler Town & Country. The Odyssey IV was built on the 1HX0 platform, a versatile architecture used for several Honda vehicles.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Odyssey IV Touring is the 3.5-liter J35Z8 V6 engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated, 60-degree V6 featuring Honda’s i-VTEC (intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system. The i-VTEC system optimizes valve timing and lift based on engine speed and load, improving both fuel efficiency and performance. The J35Z8 utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The engine produces 248 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the five-speed unit found in earlier Odyssey models. This transmission provides smoother shifts and contributes to improved fuel economy. The transmission is electronically controlled and features Grade Logic Control, which automatically selects the appropriate gear based on road incline and vehicle speed.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8L Automatic configuration delivers a comfortable and predictable driving experience. While not designed for sporty performance, the 248 hp V6 provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway merging. The six-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, offering smooth and responsive shifts. Compared to the base Odyssey models, the Touring trim benefits from a slightly more refined suspension tuning, resulting in a more controlled ride. However, the Odyssey’s size and weight are noticeable, especially during spirited driving. The automatic transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency, and the gear ratios are optimized for cruising rather than rapid acceleration. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Odyssey IV Touring trim came standard with a long list of features, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear-seat entertainment system with a wide-screen display, a premium audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, and power-sliding rear doors. Optional extras included a navigation system, a voice-activated control system, and a rear camera. The interior featured a modern design with high-quality materials and attention to detail. The dashboard layout was intuitive and user-friendly, with easy-to-reach controls. The second-row seats could be configured in various ways, including captain’s chairs or a bench seat, offering flexibility for different passenger needs.
Chassis & Braking
The Odyssey IV utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The Touring trim featured larger stabilizer bars compared to lower trims, further enhancing stability. The braking system consists of ventilated discs in the front and solid discs in the rear. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist. The Odyssey’s steering system is a power-assisted rack-and-pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Odyssey IV Touring was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and long list of features. However, some critics noted that the Odyssey’s styling was somewhat conservative compared to its competitors. Fuel economy was considered average for the segment, with the Odyssey achieving around 22 mpg in combined driving. Compared to the base Odyssey models, the Touring trim offered a significant upgrade in terms of luxury and convenience, but it also came with a higher price tag. The 3.5L V6 automatic was considered a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, although some drivers preferred the more engaging driving experience of the manual transmission offered in other Odyssey trims.
Legacy
The Honda Odyssey IV Touring remains a popular choice in the used car market. The J35Z8 engine is known for its reliability and durability, and with proper maintenance, it can easily exceed 200,000 miles. The six-speed automatic transmission is also generally reliable, although some owners have reported minor issues with the torque converter. Overall, the Odyssey IV Touring is considered a well-built and dependable minivan that offers a comfortable and practical transportation solution for families. Its spacious interior, long list of features, and reputation for reliability have helped it maintain its value over time.
