Honda Odyssey

Inside the Honda Odyssey is a luxurious cabin oozing of modern styling, excellently built with quality in mind. There are soft-touch materials throughout the van which eliminates the plasticky feeling that you get on most affordable MPV brands. For the base model, the seating capacity is for eight people as the EX variant is fitted with second and third-row benches. But for the EX-V Navi, the second-row seats are captain cradle seats with ottoman, armrest, and holder; and bench seats for the third row, which reduces the seating capacity to just seven. The flagship variant also gets 8-way power-adjustable seats; a 9-inch foldable rear entertainment system with HDMI and DVD; a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with navigation and is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible; console box for added storage; and a sunroof for when you want to feel the heat of the sun and cool breeze. In terms of trunk load, there are about 39 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seat. If you need more space, it can expand up to 158 cubic feet if you let go of the second and third-row sitting. The only downside is, though the third row can be folded, you have to remove the second-row seats to maximize the cargo space which is quite a hassle, to be honest. But if you add a roof rack on top, then you can maximize the plush seating while also adding more space for your luggage.

The exterior of the Odyssey is typical of those luxury minivan. Like the GM8 and the Alphard, the Odyssey’s striking characteristic is the massive dark chrome front grille which seamlessly continues to the new aero bumper design for a sophisticated look. The LED headlights with daytime running lights are paired with a strip of LED fog lights for enhanced visibility when driving on low lighting conditions. At the sides are aerodynamic creases and sliding doors for the second and third-row passengers’ entry and exit points. At the rear is a massive spoiler with stop lamp and large taillights that are connected by chrome details. This Honda minivan rides on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels for the Odyssey EX-V Navi and 16-inch alloy for the Odyssey EX variant.

Three words that best describe Odyssey’s ride and handling are smooth, powerful, and capable. The combination of the MacPherson Strut and Torsion Beam suspension system provides a softer ride even on tough road surfaces. Driving this minivan doesn’t feel too bulky as the steering is on point. Handling is impressive too. The vehicle is easy to maneuver as the weighted steering reduces body roll and tackles curves and turns with ease, just like most SUVs. For passengers, the ride will truly be a bliss. Especially when you are sitting on the second row with captain cradle seats with ottoman which makes long drives or getting stuck in traffic more relaxed, enjoyable, and reduces traveling fatigue.

When it comes to power, the Honda Odyssey is fitted with a 2.4L in-line 4-cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC i-VTEC engine with Earth Dreams Technology that delivers a maximum output of 175 PS at 6,2000 rpm and peak torque of 226 Nm at 4,000. The 2,356cc, Euro 4 engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite the standard eco assist system with an econ button and eco coaching ambient meter that adjusts the performance of the engine, climate control system, and cruise control, the fuel efficiency rating for the Odyssey remains so-so. Mileage for city driving is at 19 mpg or 8 kmpl and 28 mpg or 12 kmpl for highway, with a total combined driving range of 22 mpg or 9.35kmpl. In other words, you need 11 liters per 100 kilometers which is pretty decent for a luxury vehicle and delivers better performance than some competitors.

When it comes to safety, the Honda Odyssey comes packed with passive and active safety features. This Honda MPV comes standard with 6 airbags— driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags, ELR seatbelts, multi-view reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX, and security alarm and immobilizer. For the flagship Odyssey EX-V Navi, it comes plenty more with 4 wide-angle cameras, a smart parking assist system, parking sensors, blind-spot information, and cross-traffic monitor. Braking for the Honda Odyssey is handled by a ventilated disc at the front and solid disc at the rear.

The Honda Odyssey is considered by the USNews.com as one of the best minivans in the market and offers value for your money. It is a luxurious, reliable, and safe family vehicle that can deliver plenty of hustle. The roomy interior, modern tech, plush cabin, and safety technologies are all blended in this one-of-a-kind Honda vehicle.