Beneath its distinctive exterior, the Honda Odyssey is a family-friendly minivan with a flexible interior that can be configured to seat eight passengers or haul up to 148.5 cubic feet of cargo.
Whereas the previous model featured conservative and understated styling, Honda decided to shake things up by making a visual statement with the latest Odyssey. The grille and headlights are more aggressive than before and the centrally-mounted doorhandles are an elegant touch, but the most unique elements of the design are the bottom edges of the side windows, which slope downward aft of the c-pillars.
Backing up the new look is a powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 engine features standard Variable Cylinder Management and produces 248 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. For enhanced driving refinement and fuel efficiency on Odyssey Touring models, a six-speed automatic transmission debuts as a standard feature. All other models utilize a five-speed automatic transmission.
Thanks to its more amply-ratioed transmission, the Odyssey Touring returns 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while other Odyssey models are rated at 18/27 mpg.
While looks and power are important, Honda recognizes that the interior is a minivan's raison d'etre. While material quality and fit and finish are both strong, the cabin's highlight is its versatility. The "Magic Seat" third row (which features 60/40 split folding) can be folded entirely into the floor the create a flat load surface, while the second row seats can also be folded or removed entirely for maximum cargo space.
Inside, the new Odyssey sports a number of standard and optional features, including a 12-speaker audio system, satellite navigation, external HDMI input, rear-seat entertainment with split-screen capability, a ‘cool box’ in the lower center stack, a stowable 3rd row and a removable first row center console.
For those seeking the best Honda minivan money can buy, feast your eyes on the range-topping Touring Elite. This model features not only additional content under the roof, but under the floorpan as well.
Interior features include: AM/FM/XM/CD Premium Audio System with 12 speakers, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Activation, ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (RES) with split-screen capability, external HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input, 150-watt AC power outlet, media tray with integrated beverage holder, removable 1st row center console with hidden storage, new cool box in lower center stack (keeps items cool when vehicle is running), leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats, memory-linked 10-way power driver's seat, LATCH child seat anchors in five seating positions, including three positions in the second row to accommodate three child seats simultaneously, two captain's chairs in the second row provide adult comfort with center seat folded down, one-strap stowable 3rd Row Magic Seat, second- and third-row passenger window sunshades, 15 beverage holders and a trash bag ring.
Unique touches outside include: HID headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes, power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and a power tailgate.
Occupant Safety
All Odyssey models come equipped with dual front, front side and three-row side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems, front row active head restraints and electronic brake force distribution.
Key Competitors
Family-friendly rivals to the Honda Odyssey include the reliable Toyota Sienna, the uniquely-styled Nissan Quest, the value-laden Kia Sedona and the best-selling Dodge Grand Caravan.