Hey guys! Planning on getting a new minivan? You're probably eyeing the 2026 Honda Odyssey. It's a fantastic choice, known for its reliability, spaciousness, and family-friendly features. But when it comes to choosing between the EXL and Touring trims, things can get a bit tricky. Don't worry, though! I’m here to break down the key differences, so you can confidently decide which Odyssey trim best suits your needs and budget.

Diving Deep into the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL

The 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL is a fantastic minivan that offers a sweet spot for many families, blending comfort, convenience, and value. When we talk about family-friendly features, the EXL doesn't skimp. It includes leather upholstery, which is not only comfortable but also easier to clean than cloth – a definite plus when you're dealing with kids and spills. The heated front seats are a welcome addition for those chilly mornings, and the power tailgate makes loading and unloading groceries or gear a breeze. Let's not forget the moonroof, which adds a touch of luxury and lets in plenty of natural light, making the cabin feel more open and airy.

On the tech front, the EXL boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display, which serves as the command center for your infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The blind-spot monitoring system is a crucial safety feature, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots and helping you avoid potential accidents. The EXL also includes Honda's CabinWatch system, which uses a camera to let you keep an eye on passengers in the back, especially useful for monitoring kids. With all these features, the EXL is well-equipped to handle the demands of daily family life, combining practicality with a touch of luxury.

Exploring the Upgrades of the 2026 Honda Odyssey Touring

The 2026 Honda Odyssey Touring takes everything you love about the EXL and cranks it up a notch, offering a range of upgraded features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and entertainment. One of the most significant additions is the HondaVAC integrated vacuum cleaner. Yes, you read that right! This built-in vacuum is a game-changer for families, making it easy to clean up crumbs, dirt, and other messes on the go. No more lugging around a bulky vacuum or relying on gas station vacuums – the HondaVAC is always ready to go.

For entertainment, the Touring trim adds a rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display. This system keeps rear passengers entertained on long trips, whether they're watching movies, playing video games, or streaming content. The built-in HDMI port allows you to connect external devices, such as gaming consoles or Blu-ray players, for even more entertainment options. The Touring also includes Honda's CabinTalk system, which allows the driver to speak to rear passengers through the vehicle's speakers. This is especially useful for communicating with kids in the back without having to shout. From a convenience perspective, the Touring trim features a hands-free access power tailgate, which opens with a simple kick under the bumper – perfect when your hands are full. The added parking sensors make maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. Overall, the Touring trim is designed for families who want the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and entertainment, making every journey a pleasure.

Feature by Feature: EXL vs. Touring

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and compare the features of the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL and Touring side-by-side. This should give you a clearer picture of what each trim offers and where the key differences lie.

• Seating: Both the EXL and Touring come standard with seating for up to eight passengers. The EXL features leather-trimmed seats, while the Touring also includes leather but often with upgraded styling or perforation.
• Infotainment: Both trims have an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, the Touring adds the rear-seat entertainment system with a 10.2-inch display, HDMI port, and wireless headphones.
• Convenience: The EXL has a power tailgate, while the Touring upgrades to a hands-free access power tailgate. The Touring also includes the HondaVAC integrated vacuum cleaner and parking sensors.
• Safety: Both trims come standard with Honda Sensing, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. Both also include blind-spot monitoring, but the Touring may add additional features like cross-traffic monitoring.
• Audio: Both trims feature a premium audio system, but the Touring often includes more speakers or a higher-wattage amplifier for a more immersive listening experience.

When you line up the features like this, it becomes easier to see where the Touring justifies its higher price tag. If rear-seat entertainment and the convenience of a built-in vacuum are high on your list, the Touring is the way to go. But if you're looking for a well-equipped minivan with essential features at a more affordable price, the EXL is an excellent choice.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency: Are They Different?

When comparing the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL and Touring, performance and fuel efficiency are areas where you won't find much difference. Both trims are equipped with the same engine: a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers around 280 horsepower. This engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The Odyssey's smooth and responsive acceleration makes it a joy to drive, even when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Both trims also share the same 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides seamless gear changes and helps to optimize fuel efficiency. Fuel economy is rated at around 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. These figures are quite competitive for the minivan segment, making the Odyssey a practical choice for families who want a vehicle that's both spacious and fuel-efficient.

Since the EXL and Touring have the same powertrain and similar curb weights, their performance and fuel economy numbers are virtually identical. So, when it comes to these factors, your decision will likely depend more on the features and amenities that each trim offers rather than any significant differences in how they drive or how much they cost to fuel up.

Interior and Comfort: A Closer Look

Let's dive into the interior and comfort aspects of the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL and Touring. Both trims are designed with family comfort in mind, but there are some key differences that might sway your decision.

• Seating Material: The EXL comes with leather-trimmed seats, which are comfortable and easy to clean. The Touring also features leather seats, but often with a higher-grade leather or unique stitching patterns, adding a touch of luxury.
• Seat Adjustments: Both trims offer power-adjustable front seats, but the Touring may include additional adjustments, such as lumbar support or thigh extensions, for enhanced comfort on long drives.
• Climate Control: Both the EXL and Touring have tri-zone automatic climate control, allowing you to set different temperatures for the front and rear of the vehicle. The Touring may also include a humidity control feature to keep the cabin air fresh and comfortable.
• Sound Insulation: The Touring trim often includes additional sound insulation materials to reduce road noise and create a quieter cabin environment. This can make a big difference on long trips, especially with kids in the back.
• Other Comfort Features: The Touring trim may also include features like ambient lighting, which adds a subtle glow to the interior and creates a more upscale atmosphere. The rear-seat entertainment system is another significant comfort feature, keeping passengers entertained on long journeys.

While both trims offer a comfortable and spacious interior, the Touring takes it a step further with upgraded materials, additional adjustments, and extra features designed to enhance the overall experience.

Price and Value: Making the Right Choice

When it comes to price and value, the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL and Touring trims offer different propositions. The EXL is generally priced lower, making it an attractive option for families who want a well-equipped minivan without breaking the bank. It includes essential features like leather seats, a power tailgate, and advanced safety technologies, providing excellent value for the money.

The Touring trim, on the other hand, comes with a higher price tag but offers a range of additional features that enhance comfort, convenience, and entertainment. The HondaVAC integrated vacuum cleaner, rear-seat entertainment system, and hands-free access power tailgate are just a few of the extras that the Touring brings to the table. When evaluating value, consider which features are most important to you and your family.

If you prioritize convenience and entertainment for long trips, the Touring might be worth the extra investment. However, if you're looking for a practical and well-equipped minivan at a more affordable price, the EXL is an excellent choice. Ultimately, the right decision depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Which Odyssey Trim Should You Choose?

Alright, guys, after this deep dive, let's bring it all together. Deciding between the 2026 Honda Odyssey EXL and Touring really boils down to your specific needs and what you value most in a minivan. If you're looking for a reliable, well-equipped family hauler that won't break the bank, the EXL is a fantastic choice. You get leather seats, essential tech features, and Honda's renowned safety suite – all at a price that's easier on the wallet.

However, if you're the type of family that takes frequent road trips or simply wants the ultimate in convenience and entertainment, the Touring trim is worth considering. The built-in vacuum cleaner is a game-changer for keeping the interior clean, and the rear-seat entertainment system will keep the kids happy on long drives. Plus, features like the hands-free tailgate and upgraded audio system add a touch of luxury to your daily routine.

Consider your budget, your family's needs, and how long you plan to keep the minivan. If you're on a tight budget or plan to trade it in after a few years, the EXL might be the more practical choice. But if you're looking for a long-term investment that will provide years of comfort and convenience, the Touring could be the better option.

No matter which trim you choose, the 2026 Honda Odyssey is a top-notch minivan that's sure to meet the needs of your growing family. Happy car shopping!