The fifth-generation Honda Odyssey is the Japanese-market Odyssey (RC series) launched in November 2013. It was the first Japanese Odyssey with sliding rear doors, and it offers a 2.4-litre petrol engine or, from 2016, a 2.0-litre hybrid, with seven or eight seats.
Key takeaways
- The Japanese fifth-generation Odyssey (RC1, RC2 and RC4) is a different vehicle from the US-market Odyssey.
- Engines: 2.4-litre petrol (a direct-injection version in Absolute grades) or a 2.0-litre hybrid from 2016.
- Facelifts in 2017 and 2020 brought updated styling and safety equipment; Honda Sensing is common on later cars.
- Late cars meet Kenya’s 2019+ rule; check the first registration date before you pay.
1. Fifth-generation Odyssey at a glance
Earlier Japanese Odysseys were lower, wagon-like MPVs with hinged rear doors. The fifth generation became a taller minivan with power sliding doors, while keeping a low floor that makes it easy to get in and out.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| On sale in Japan | From November 2013 |
| Chassis codes | RC1 (petrol 2WD), RC2 (petrol 4WD), RC4 (hybrid) |
| Engines | 2.4-litre petrol; 2.0-litre hybrid from 2016 |
| Seats | Seven or eight, depending on grade |
| Doors | Power sliding rear doors |
| Main updates | Facelifts in 2017 and 2020 |
Production in Japan ended in December 2021. Honda returned the Odyssey to its Japanese line-up at the end of 2023 as an updated, hybrid-only model imported from China, so you may see both Japanese-built and later cars in stock.
Browse our Honda Odyssey stock. For Kenya, start with Odysseys first registered in 2019 or later.
2. Design and interior
The Odyssey is about 4.8 metres long and 1.8 metres wide, so it is easier to park than larger luxury minivans. Absolute grades have a sportier body kit and larger wheels.
Inside, eight-seat versions have a second-row bench, while seven-seat versions have two large second-row seats; some higher grades add leg rests. The third-row seats fold into the floor to create a flat luggage area.
Higher grades add leather, rear climate controls and more convenience features. Check the listing for the exact grade and equipment.
3. Engines and driving
Standard petrol cars use a 2.4-litre engine with a CVT. Absolute grades use a more powerful direct-injection 2.4-litre engine rated at 190 PS.
The hybrid, added in 2016, uses Honda’s two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-litre engine. At low speeds it drives mostly on electric power, which suits town traffic.
The Odyssey rides comfortably on paved roads. It is a road-focused minivan with modest ground clearance, so it is not built for rough tracks.
4. Safety equipment
Honda Sensing, Honda’s driver-assistance package, includes features such as collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. It was optional on earlier cars and more widely fitted after the 2017 facelift. Always confirm on the listing whether the car you want has it.
5. Import age rules
Kenya accepts only cars first registered on or after 1 January 2019, and its 2027 cut-off has not been announced yet. Zimbabwe bans used vehicles 10 years or older from the date of manufacture. Early fifth-generation cars from 2013–2016 will not meet these limits. Check your country with our import age checker.
What to check before you buy
- Sliding doors: open and close both power doors several times; check for slow movement or noises.
- CVT (petrol cars): check for smooth acceleration without shudder, and ask about fluid changes.
- Hybrid system: on RC4 hybrids, check for warning lights and ask whether a local mechanic can service Honda hybrids.
- Honda Sensing: confirm the car has it if you want it; not every car does.
- Interior wear: family use wears seats, rails and carpets; check photos carefully.
- Auction sheet: check the grade and repair marks with our auction sheet guide.
Pay only by bank transfer to an account in the exporter’s company name. Read how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Japanese Odyssey the same as the American Odyssey?
No. The US-market Odyssey is a larger, left-hand-drive minivan. The Japanese RC-series Odyssey is right-hand drive and more compact.
Petrol or hybrid Odyssey?
The hybrid saves fuel in town. The petrol version is simpler to service. Choose based on your driving and on local hybrid service support.
How many seats does the Odyssey have?
Seven or eight, depending on grade. Check the listing for the second-row layout.
Can I import a fifth-generation Odyssey to Kenya?
Yes, if it was first registered on or after 1 January 2019 under the 2026 rule.
See more models in our Honda car guides, and compare other people carriers in our Toyota Alphard guide and Toyota Wish vs Mazda Premacy.
