Odyssey vs ID. Buzz
Both the Odyssey and the ID. Buzz sit in the minivan class, and Honda and Volkswagen are clearly watching each other. This is a genuine trade-off. The Odyssey is stronger when it comes to space & practicality, while the ID. Buzz pulls ahead on engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance ID. Buzz wins
- Space & Practicality Odyssey wins
- Off-road & Towing ID. Buzz wins
- Engine & Performance5.0
- Space & Practicality5.8
- Engine & Performance9.3
- Space & Practicality2.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Odyssey has 76% more cargo space
This is a headline difference. With 32.8 cu ft to the ID. Buzz’s 18.6 cu ft, the Odyssey has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. The Odyssey’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The ID. Buzz has 144 lb-ft more torque
Put simply, the ID. Buzz is far ahead here: 406 lb-ft compared with 262 lb-ft. The ID. Buzz’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Odyssey has room for 8 seats
The Odyssey is slightly stronger on seats. The gap, 8 seats versus 7 seats, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. The Odyssey has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The ID. Buzz has available all-wheel drive
The ID. Buzz brings available all-wheel drive, and the Odyssey has no equivalent. The ID. Buzz offers all-wheel drive; the Odyssey doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 205.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
ID. Buzz leads
The ID. Buzz is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The ID. Buzz steps ahead thanks to 144 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. Prioritize engine & performance, and the ID. Buzz is where you should land.
Torque
Odyssey: 262 lb-ft ID. Buzz: 406 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Odyssey leads
The ID. Buzz has a tough time in the space & practicality section, where the Odyssey pulls well ahead. On its side, the Odyssey has 76% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. That makes the Odyssey the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Odyssey: 32.8 cu ft ID. Buzz: 18.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Seats
Odyssey: 8 seats ID. Buzz: 7 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
ID. Buzz leads
The ID. Buzz takes off-road & towing by a nose. The ID. Buzz wins here with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the ID. Buzz is the stronger car.
AWD / 4WD available
Odyssey: no ID. Buzz: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Single rear electric motor |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 282 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft (winner) Most torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD (4Motion AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 234 mi |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 32.8 cu ft (winner) | 18.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 140.7 cu ft | 145.5 cu ft Most room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Dimensions
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 205.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 118.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Odyssey | ID. Buzz |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,795 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Odyssey if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (32.8 cu ft vs 18.6 cu ft)
- you need more seats (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you prefer staying with Honda
Choose the ID. Buzz if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (406 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you already know your way around Volkswagen’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Odyssey or the ID. Buzz?
The Odyssey and the ID. Buzz split the comparison (space & practicality for the Odyssey, engine & performance for the ID. Buzz), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Honda or Volkswagen? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Odyssey versus the ID. Buzz. I think the Odyssey makes its strongest case with 76% more cargo space. Credit where it’s due: the ID. Buzz offers 144 lb-ft more torque.
Choose by what you’d use most: space & practicality leads to the Odyssey, engine & performance leads to the ID. Buzz.
My pick: honestly, it’s a split decision, so let space & practicality versus engine & performance settle it for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.