2020 Honda Odyssey Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2020 Honda Odyssey exclusively features a 10-speed automatic transmission across all trims, providing a wide gear spread for both spirited acceleration and efficient highway cruising.

Available axle ratios

The 2020 Honda Odyssey utilizes a single final drive ratio across all models equipped with the 10-speed automatic transmission. This simplifies parts availability and ensures consistent performance characteristics across the lineup.

How to identify your axle ratio

Unlike many trucks and SUVs, passenger vehicles like the Honda Odyssey typically do not have easily identifiable axle codes stamped on a sticker or an axle tag. The final drive ratio is an integral part of the transaxle design and is consistent across all models for a given year and transmission. Therefore, to determine the axle ratio for your 2020 Honda Odyssey, you only need to know the model year and that it came with the 10-speed automatic transmission, which is standard for this year.

For most Honda vehicles, the best resource beyond general specifications would be your owner's manual or a Honda dealership’s service department, who can access detailed specifications based on your VIN.

Towing vs MPG impact

For the 2020 Honda Odyssey, since there is only one available axle ratio, the impact on towing versus MPG is predetermined by Honda's engineering. Generally, a numerically lower axle ratio (e.g., 3.00) results in lower engine RPMs at cruising speeds, which improves highway fuel economy. Conversely, a numerically higher axle ratio (e.g., 4.10) allows the engine to operate at higher RPMs for a given road speed, providing more torque multiplication at the wheels. This improves towing capability and acceleration but typically comes at the cost of reduced fuel economy.

Honda has selected the 3.61 final drive ratio for the 2020 Odyssey to strike a balance between these characteristics. Combined with the wide gear spread of the 10-speed automatic transmission, this ratio aims to deliver competent acceleration, a respectable towing capacity (up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped), and competitive fuel efficiency for a minivan.

Common issues

The Honda Odyssey, particularly with the 10-speed automatic transmission and integrated final drive, is generally known for its reliability. Common issues specifically related to the final drive (axle ratio components) are rare. However, any component that experiences continuous use can eventually show wear.

• Bearing Wear: While not a widespread issue for the Odyssey, bearings within the differential can eventually wear out, leading to a humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed. This is more common in vehicles with higher mileage or those that have been subjected to significant stress.
• Fluid Degradation: The differential, while integrated, relies on proper lubrication. Infrequent fluid changes or severe operating conditions can lead to fluid degradation, potentially causing increased wear on internal components.

These issues are not specific to the Odyssey's final drive ratio but rather general concerns for any driveline component.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.