Not only are the Honda Odyssey's second-row seats easily removable with a simple lock release lever, but you can also completely reconfigure the seating arrangements using its Magic Slide technology.

There’s no other way to say it: the Honda Odyssey is the ultimate minivan. One day you have to remove all the seats to fit all the gear for soccer practice, and the next day it’s your turn to carpool the neighborhood kids to school—so the seats are coming in and out constantly!

We're here to give you a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove or reconfigure your Odyssey’s back seat to fit any situation. As a bonus, we’ll even provide some tips on saving more on your

Honda Odyssey insurance costs

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Can you remove the second-row seats from a Honda Odyssey?

Yes, the bucket seats and the middle stowable Plus-One seat are easily removable. You can remove one, two, or all three for however much space you need!

If you remove just the middle seat, you can use the Odyssey’s magic slide technology to adjust the lateral position of the bucket seats. You can use this configuration to create a clear path to the third row or make more space for car seats.

This versatility is an innovation that minivan owners have dreamed of for decades. So let’s get into the step-by-step process of maximizing the utility of your seating.

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How to remove the second row seats from a Honda Odyssey

Let’s start with how to remove the middle stowable Plus-One seat:

Completely lower the headrest. This is done to create space for the next steps.

Detach and retract the seatbelt. The belt will slide up into the storage compartment on the van’s ceiling.

Use the release strap to fold the seat down. It is located in the side crease of the middle seat.

Pull the lock release strap underneath the seat cushion and grab the handle on the back of the seat. Pull the seat back until the front hooks release, and begin to pivot upward.

Lift up and remove. It’s that easy!

You will follow the same steps to remove the bucket seats, except the lever to fold down the seat is located on the side. These are slightly heavier than the middle seat, so you may want to ask for a hand.

Keep in mind, these instructions are for the fifth-generation Honda Odysseys (2018 to present)—earlier models may have slightly different instructions. Follow this

short guide

from Honda’s owner manual if you need further assistance.

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How do you put the back seats down in a Honda Odyssey?

Now that your second row seats are removed, you can also fold down the third row of seating to maximize cargo space. The one-motion 60/40 split third-row Magic Seat makes the process unbelievably easy!

Here’s what you have to do: Start by opening the trunk and locating the two straps on the back of the third-row seating. Pulling these straps will magically fold the seats back into the open space in the van’s floor. One strap accounts for 60% of the row, while the other is responsible for the remaining 40%.

Now that your cargo area is completely flat, you’ll have about 150 cubic ft to work with—that’s enough to fit a 4x8-foot sheet of plywood!

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How to find affordable Honda insurance

In 2020, the Honda Odyssey became the first minivan ever to earn an

IIHS Top Safety Pick+

award. Its superb crash protection gives you the peace of mind you need when transporting your loved ones around town.

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