2017 Honda Odyssey Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2017 Honda Odyssey was available with two transmission options: a 6-speed automatic and a 9-speed automatic.

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Available axle ratios

The 2017 Honda Odyssey did not offer multiple axle ratios within the same transmission variant. Instead, the final drive ratio is integrated with the transmission choice.

How to identify your axle ratio

Unlike domestic truck manufacturers that often provide RPO codes on door jamb stickers or physical axle tags, identifying the axle ratio on a 2017 Honda Odyssey is much simpler, as it's directly tied to the transmission. You can determine your transmission type by checking your vehicle's documentation (owner's manual), the VIN decoder information, or by visiting a Honda dealership service department. If your Odyssey has the 9-speed automatic, it will have the 3.327 final drive ratio. If it has the 6-speed automatic, it will have the 3.940 final drive ratio. There are no separate RPO codes or axle tags for different ratios on these vehicles.

Towing vs MPG impact

The choice of axle ratio significantly impacts both towing capability and fuel economy. Generally, a numerically lower axle ratio (like the 3.327 in the 9-speed transmission) allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs at cruising speeds, leading to better fuel economy. However, this also means less mechanical advantage for accelerating from a stop and for towing heavy loads. Conversely, a numerically higher axle ratio (like the 3.940 in the 6-speed transmission) provides greater mechanical advantage, allowing for quicker acceleration and improved towing performance, albeit often at the expense of fuel efficiency due to higher engine RPMs at cruising speeds.

For the 2017 Honda Odyssey, the 9-speed automatic with its 3.327 final drive ratio is optimized for fuel economy, especially on highway drives, due to the additional gears and a lower final drive. The 6-speed automatic with its 3.940 final drive offers a more balanced approach to performance and towing for its design, though typically the 9-speed is found in higher trims and provides a smoother and more efficient overall driving experience.

Common issues

While the 2017 Honda Odyssey transmissions are generally reliable, some owners have reported issues, particularly with the 9-speed automatic transmission, primarily related to harsh shifts, delayed engagements, or shuddering. These issues are often software-related and can sometimes be addressed with updated programming from a Honda dealership. Unlike traditional truck axles, separate issues like ring and pinion whine, carrier bearing failure, or limited-slip clutch wear are not common or typically discussed as distinct problems for the Odyssey's integrated transaxle design.

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