The new model from Japanese manufacturer, the 2018 Honda Odyssey has been revamped, and it is similar to the previous generation since it didn’t increase in size, but it is now slightly stronger and smarter.
Honda Odyssey 2018 Engine
First of all, the 3.5-liter V6 engine that powers the Odyssey now produces 280 ponies instead of the 248 it used to generate. All of this is because of direct injection technology and some other small changes that improve acceleration but also reduces fuel consumption. The unit is connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Touring and Elite trims get a 10-speed gearbox. The fuel economy is rated at 19/28 mpg city/highway. When you drive the Odyssey, you will notice that it is always shifting, but these changes are smooth, and you will forget about it very soon.
Furthermore, the suspension has been modified as well, and the 2018 Honda Odyssey now absorbs the bumps and imperfections on the road much better, while the ride has become quieter. This is really noticeable on the highway because the company added more sound deadening materials and you will enjoy the quietness of the cabin even at high speeds. This performance increase is more than welcomed, but horsepower is not the reason people buy minivans. However, the Odyssey Elite is the right way to go because of all the family-friendly technologies and features that will attract even those who wouldn’t purchase a minivan at all.
New Odyssey Technology and Features
Believe it or not but the 2018 Honda Odyssey has a new rear seat entertainment system that comes down from the roof. It is a 10.2-inch system which can play videos from a Blu-Ray disc player on the front, an HDMI input or various onboard apps such as PBS Kids. The infotainment system can provide connectivity for more than 7 Wi-Fi devices, and they are coming with the 4G LTE data connection.
Furthermore, there is a new Cabin Control app that gives passengers limited control of some of the functions, as its name indicates. This is great for kids because they can add or stream music, adjust the climate, suggest destinations for navigation or control the rear entertainment system, but adults are in control, and they have the final say. All mobile devices that you and passengers can carry are charged by 3x high power USB ports around the cabin, several 12v power points and an 110V inverter beneath the dash.
More Features
Finally, the new infotainment system comes with a physical volume knob, and although the framework is based on the Android OS, the software and hardware are new. The infotainment has improved significantly, and it is responsive no matter what you do with it. Furthermore, there are some of the key new features for parents to watch over their kids and their cargo.
The two very useful features are Cabin Watch and Cabin Talk. The first one helps you monitor the second and third row of seats through a wide angle lens located on the ceiling, and the positive thing is that it can be used when it is dark, plus you can zoom in on just one car seat you are interested in. The second feature allows you to address the rear passengers at a touch of a button even when they have headphones. No more turning around and yelling at your kids. It’s pretty convenient, huh?
Let’s not forget the Honda Sensing driver aid suite that is optional, but very useful. It adds lane departure warning, lane keeping assisted steering, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking. Among other features, there are rear cross traffic alert, a rear camera and blind spot monitoring.
Magic Seats
The Odyssey Elite features dual power sliding doors which you can open or close either with the key fob from a distance or with a toggle from the front seat and with a tug from the rear seats. Once you open the doors, you will see the Magic Slide second-row seats which can slide front and back slightly, but you can move them from left to right independently if you want. With that in mind, the access to the rear bench is easy, and if the kids are fighting, you can separate them by just sliding the seats. Although there is enough room in the cabin, you can always remove the second-row seats for more. The third-row seats, meanwhile, can be folded or flipped away with one tag and thus, you increase the cargo space.
Driving Experience of 2018 Odyssey
As we have already said, there is plenty of power in the 2018 Honda Odyssey, which can also brag with ride quality and handling. It is quiet at speed, and only a bit of wind noise can be heard, but once the roads start twisting, Honda is up to the task. The steering is easy, and for a minivan, the handling is more than satisfactory, one of the best in the class.
2018 Honda Odyssey Pricing
The starting price of the 2018 Honda Odyssey will be $29,990 for the base LX trim, and it will go up all the way to $46,670 for the loaded Elite model, as this car challenges the Chrysler Pacifica.
