Compare the2024 Honda OdysseyVS 2023 Ford Transit Connect Wagon

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Odyssey are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

The Honda Odyssey has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the Odyssey deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The Odyssey’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Transit Connect Wagon’s side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

The Odyssey has a standard Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Odyssey’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the Transit Connect Wagon and is only available on Transit Connect Wagon XLT/Titanium.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Odyssey has standard Cross Traffic Monitor, helping the driver avoid collisions. Ford charges extra for Cross Traffic Alert on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Both the Odyssey and the Transit Connect Wagon have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The Honda Odyssey weighs 463 to 571 pounds more than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Honda Odyssey is safer than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	27%	28%
Neck Stress	184 lbs.	230 lbs.
Neck Compression	18 lbs.	19 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	95/82 lbs.	272/294 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	32%	48%
Neck Stress	101 lbs.	179 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	324/302 lbs.	637/489 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda Odyssey is safer than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	66	78
Chest Movement	.5 inches	1.1 inches
Abdominal Force	83 lbs.	167 lbs.
Hip Force	321 lbs.	323 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	125	265
Hip Force	709 lbs.	781 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	12 inches
Hip Force	472 lbs.	726 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Honda Odyssey achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Transit Connect Wagon has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

Honda pays for scheduled maintenance on the Odyssey for 2 years or 24,000 miles. Honda will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Transit Connect Wagon.

Reliability

The engine in the Odyssey has a single overhead cam for simplicity. The engine in the Transit Connect Wagon has dual overhead cams, which add to the number of moving parts and the complexity of the cylinder heads.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Odyssey second among minivans in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The Transit Connect Wagon isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Honda vehicles are better in initial quality than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda above average in initial quality. With 11 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda 17 places higher in reliability than Ford.

Engine

The Odyssey’s 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 118 more horsepower (280 vs. 162) and 118 lbs.-ft. more torque (262 vs. 144) than the Transit Connect Wagon’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Honda Odyssey is faster than the Ford Transit Connect Wagon:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
Zero to 60 MPH	6.6 sec	10.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15 sec	17.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	94.6 MPH	77.5 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Odyssey’s fuel efficiency. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Odyssey has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Transit Connect Wagon (19.5 vs. 15.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Odyssey has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Transit Connect Wagon. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Honda Odyssey, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the Transit Connect Wagon.

Brakes and Stopping

The Odyssey stops shorter than the Transit Connect Wagon:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	127 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Odyssey has larger tires than the Transit Connect Wagon (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R16).

For better load carrying, ride, handling and brake cooling the Odyssey has standard 18-inch wheels. Only 16-inch wheels are available on the Transit Connect Wagon. The Odyssey Sport/Touring/Elite has standard 19-inch wheels.

The Odyssey has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda Odyssey has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Ford Transit Connect Wagon has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Odyssey is 5.9 inches wider in the front and 5.5 inches wider in the rear than on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Chassis

The Odyssey uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Odyssey has standard seating for 8 passengers; the Transit Connect Wagon can only carry up to 7.

The Odyssey has 4.4 inches more front hip room, 5.5 inches more front shoulder room, 3.3 inches more rear legroom, 6.5 inches more rear hip room, 3.1 inches more rear shoulder room, 3.1 inches more third row legroom, 1.4 inches more third row hip room and 3.7 inches more third row shoulder room than the Transit Connect Wagon.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Odyssey’s middle and third row seats recline. The Transit Connect Wagon’s middle row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Odyssey’s cargo area provides more volume than the Transit Connect Wagon.

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
Behind Third Seat	38.6 cubic feet	16.3 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	92.3 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	n/a	60.1 cubic feet
Max Cargo Volume	158 cubic feet	106 cubic feet

The Odyssey’s cargo area is larger than the Transit Connect Wagon’s in every dimension:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
Length to seat (3rd/2nd/1st)	25”/56”/91”	14.5”/45”/85.6”
Max Width	50”	n/a
Min Width	48”	47”
Height	54”	43.3”

The Odyssey has a standard One-Motion Magic Seat third row seat, which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Odyssey EX-L/Sport/Touring/Elite has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the Odyssey Elite, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power cargo door.

Towing

The Odyssey’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Transit Connect Wagon’s (3500 vs. 0 pounds).

Servicing Ease

A Maintenance Minder is standard on the Odyssey to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Ford doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Transit Connect Wagon.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the Odyssey EX-L/Sport/Touring/Elite, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Odyssey EX-L/Sport/Touring/Elite’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Odyssey’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Transit Connect Wagon has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Odyssey’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Transit Connect Wagon’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Odyssey the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Transit Connect Wagon can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Odyssey’s standard Smart Entry allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Passive Entry/Passive Start is an extra cost option on the Transit Connect Wagon and doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door. Passive Entry/Passive Start is not available on the Transit Connect Wagon XL.

The Odyssey’s power side sliding doors make it much easier to load and unload kids and cargo. One touch opens the door, before you even get to the van. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a power rear door.

The Odyssey’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Transit Connect Wagon’s standard halogen headlights. LED lights also light instantly and last over twenty times longer than halogen. The Odyssey’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the Transit Connect Wagon’s optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Odyssey to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Odyssey has standard power remote mirrors. The Transit Connect Wagon only comes with remote mirrors at extra cost. Without them the driver will have to roll down the windows and reach across the car to adjust the mirrors.

The Odyssey’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Ford charges extra for heated mirrors on the Transit Connect Wagon.

When the Odyssey EX-L/Sport/Touring/Elite is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Transit Connect Wagon’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Odyssey EX-L/Sport/Touring/Elite’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Transit Connect Wagon offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Odyssey Elite keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Odyssey Elite’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Odyssey Touring/Elite has a standard center folding armrest for the third row rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and can provide a barrier between children. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer a third row rear seat center armrest.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the Odyssey has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The Transit Connect Wagon doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Odyssey owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Odyssey will cost $395 to $1525 less than the Transit Connect Wagon over a five-year period.

Recommendations

The Honda Odyssey has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Odyssey	Transit Connect Wagon
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	FALSE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	n/a

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Odyssey second among minivans in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Transit Connect Wagon isn’t in the top three.

The Honda Odyssey outsold the Ford Transit Connect by over four to one during 2023.

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