Odyssey III (RB1) vs Multivan / Transporter T5: which is better?
Honda Odyssey III (RB1) (2003–2008) vs Volkswagen Multivan / Transporter T5 (2003–2015): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Honda Odyssey III (RB1)
Volkswagen Multivan / Transporter T5Specifications
| Honda Odyssey III (RB1) | Volkswagen Multivan / Transporter T5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2003–2008 | 2003–2015 |
| Body | minivan | minivan |
| Fuel | petrol | diesel |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.0 TDI |
| Power, up to | 160 hp | 140 hp |
| Torque, up to | 218 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | manual |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 765 mm | 4 890 mm |
| Width | 1 800 mm | 1 904 mm |
| Height | 1 550 mm | 1 970 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 830 mm | 3 000 mm |
| Fuel tank | 65 L | 80 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Honda Odyssey III (RB1)
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Honda K20/K24 engine: VTC actuator rattle on cold start
Engine (Honda K20/K24): VTC actuator rattle on cold start; oil consumption on the K24Z (2008–2012); crankshaft seal leak.
Volkswagen Multivan / Transporter T5
Pros
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- No data
Which one to choose
- Odyssey III (RB1) — if you care more about: power.
- Multivan / Transporter T5 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Odyssey III (RB1) or Multivan / Transporter T5?
Odyssey III (RB1): up to 160 hp, Multivan / Transporter T5: up to 140 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Odyssey III (RB1) — about 28 750 ₸, Multivan / Transporter T5 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.
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