Honda’s usually known for reliable, fuel-sipping cars you can count on, not flashy luxury rides. But over the years, the brand has quietly amped up the swank factor in some of its mainstream models.
In the U.S., true luxury buyers still turn to Acura, Honda’s upscale sibling. Outside America, though, Honda takes a different approach, offering high-end models you’ll never see at a local dealer.
One of these global exclusives really turns heads, packing luxury touches that not only compete with Lexus but sometimes leave it in the dust. It’s proof Honda can do more than dependable—sometimes it can wow.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Honda, and other authoritative sources, including Car Buzz and TopSpeed.
Meet the Honda Elysion
At first glance, the Honda Elysion might look like just a fancier Odyssey with shiny wheels, but it’s really in a league of its own. Introduced in 2004, this passenger van could fit up to eight people and went head-to-head with luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand.
Sure, it’s based on the third-gen Japan-spec Odyssey, sharing the same underpinnings, but the Elysion sports a completely different exterior and interior setup. Think of it as a more upscale, unique twist on a familiar Honda favorite.
The second-gen Honda Elysion is now built on the fifth-gen Odyssey, but you won’t find it in the U.S.—it’s only sold in China. It first hit the market in 2015 and got a facelift in 2019, which brought along a slick new hybrid powertrain.
This isn’t just an Odyssey with fancy wheels—the Elysion has a few luxe tricks that could make a Maybach raise an eyebrow. One of the coolest? Its hybrid setup, pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a surprisingly smooth ride.
2024 Honda Elysion Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Hybrid |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
211 HP |
|
Torque |
232 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
eCVT |
|
Motor Power |
181 HP |
|
Motor Torque |
232 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Front-Wheel Drive |
You Won’t Believe How Luxurious the Elysion Is
Hybrid powertrain aside, what really separates the Honda Elysion from any Odyssey is its swanky interior. While the Odyssey is all about family hauling, the Elysion cranks things up to near-Lexus levels of luxury.
It only seats seven, but step inside, and it’s clear the Elysion values quality over quantity. Every detail feels thoughtfully designed, making the cabin feel way more upscale than you’d expect from a Honda.
The Elysion’s Interior Is Surprisingly Swanky
Step inside the Honda Elysion, and you’ll see it’s all about luxury. Quilted leather with detailed stitching wraps the seats, and the second-row captain’s chairs have power recline and fully extending leg rests.
Leather continues on the door panels, with rich wood-grain accents across the dash and extra cushioning in the headrests. Buyers can choose from red, black, or white interiors to match their style.
The cabin clearly targets business execs who want comfort on the move. The plush second-row seats turn the back into a mobile lounge, making this more than just a people-mover—it’s a premium travel experience.
Tech That Makes the Elysion Feel Next-Level
Beyond its first-class interior, the Honda Elysion is packed with tech. Some of the basics include:
- Dual-zone climate control
- Panoramic roof
- Wireless charging
- Automatic sliding doors with hand gestures
The Elysion also comes with Honda Connect 3.0, which links your car to your phone. Some standout features include:
- Speed alert when someone else is driving
- Security alarm detection
- Automatic collision detection
- Find My Car
- Geo-fencing alerts if the car leaves a set perimeter
- Car Status: diagnostics, fuel, battery, etc.
- Remote control: stop/start, air conditioning, and lights
On top of that, the Elysion includes Honda Sensing, the brand’s suite of safety tech also seen in the Odyssey. Key features include:
- Road departure mitigation
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow
- Multi-view camera system
So…Is the Elysion Just an Odyssey?
Sure, the Honda Elysion and Odyssey share similar body styles, but the Elysion is on a whole other level.
That said, there’s still a lot to love about the Honda Odyssey we get in the U.S. Its design might be showing its age, but Honda has added some nice updates for the new model year.
The Latest Updates for the 2025 Honda Odyssey
For 2025, the Honda Odyssey gets a few noticeable updates. The front and rear get a refreshed look, including a sporty new grille and updated fog light surrounds.
The rear bumper has a new design too, and the vertical reflectors? Honda borrowed them from the discontinued Acura NSX—so yes, there’s a hint of supercar DNA in this minivan. New wheel designs are part of the package as well, including 19-inch rollers for the top-trim Odyssey Elite.
Honda also upgraded the Odyssey’s tech inside the cabin. A new 7-inch instrument panel sits in front of the driver, while a 9-inch touchscreen keeps passengers entertained and informed.
There’s even a 12.8-inch rear screen to make backseat passengers happy.
The Odyssey still features the handy Magic Slide system for the second row, letting seats slide side-to-side or back and forth for different layouts. They’re comfortable and well-bolstered, though not quite as plush as the Elysion seats with their built-in ottomans.
The second-row seats can also be removed for more cargo space, but heads up—they’re heavy. Car and Driver notes each seat weighs 68 pounds, which could be tricky for some to handle.
The Odyssey actually has a few tricks the Elysion doesn’t. Household power and HDMI outlets keep entertainment systems running, and a PA system lets the driver talk to rear-seat passengers—perfect for keeping the kids in line on long trips.
Sorry, No Hybrid Option
Unlike its fancy cousin, the Elysion, the 2025 Honda Odyssey sticks with the tried-and-true 3.5-liter V6. It cranks out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic to the front wheels.
There’s no all-wheel-drive option, and unfortunately, no hybrid either. Fingers crossed Honda adds one down the road.
2025 Honda Odyssey Specifications
|
Engine |
3.5_Liter V-6 |
|---|---|
|
Horsepower |
280 HP |
|
Torque |
262 LB-FT |
|
Fuel Economy |
19 MPG (City), 28 MPG (Highway) |
Can You Actually Import a Honda Elysion to the U.S.?
The Honda Elysion debuted in 2004 and was sold only in Japan, going head-to-head with other luxury vans like the Toyota Alphard. It wasn’t until 2012 that the Elysion hit the Chinese market, and the current generation has been rolling out since 2015.
These days, it’s no longer sold in Japan and is only made by Dongfeng Honda, a joint venture between Dongfeng and Honda.
If you’re dreaming of getting one in the U.S., you’d have to import it from China. Unfortunately, U.S. rules require cars to be at least 25 years old to import, so anyone hoping to snag an Elysion will have a long wait—maybe too long for it to be worth it.
There are clean Elysion examples from the early 2000s available through Japanese importers. However, they’re still illegal to bring into the U.S. since they haven’t reached the 25-year mark.
A simpler route is to get a new or lightly used U.S.-spec Honda Odyssey and upgrade it with premium leather and custom seats. It won’t be a factory-fresh Elysion, but it comes pretty close.
