Honda Odyssey vs Volkswagen Routan
The Honda Odyssey is more fuel-efficient at 22 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Volkswagen Routan. At EPA assumptions that is about $300 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Honda Odyssey | Volkswagen Routan | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 294 | 302 |
| Most reported problem | Electrical system | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 18 and 2 | 9 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 27,000 miles | 69,000 miles |
| Recalls | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 22 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 19 and 27 | 17 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,050 | $3,350 |
| NHTSA overall safety | Not rated |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 294 complaints for the Honda Odyssey and 302 for the Volkswagen Routan. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 5 for the Honda Odyssey, 0 for the Volkswagen Routan.