The 2018 Honda Odyssey continues the automaker’s tradition of offering an incredibly practical and family-friendly minivan. The Magic Seats and safety technology are big draws for the Odyssey, with just a few minor issues, such as the fact that the second row will not fold into the floor to save room like it does in some competitors. Overall, the Odyssey is an excellent choice for families who want some extra room and don’t mind driving a minivan.
source: ShutterStock
Loaded with New Features
Although the previous Odyssey was already an impressive vehicle, the 2018 model takes this to the next level. One of the standout new features is sliding seats for the second row with a middle section that is removable. In addition, the second-row outboard seats slide front and back, plus side to side.
Other new features of note include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, the ability for passengers to adjust the rear temperature or send music to the radio, wireless charging, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Perhaps the most innovative of the new features is a camera that allows the driver to watch those in the second and third rows of seats without having to turn around awkwardly. Of course, the Odyssey still offers its signature HondaVac to make cleaning up a breeze, something any parent will appreciate.
Powering the Vehicle
The 2018 Honda Odyssey got a new powertrain, although it is still a 3.5-liter V6. This year’s V6 generates 32 more horsepower than the previous year’s, up to 280. The Odyssey is also now the most efficient of all minivans in its class apart from the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
Very Useful Interior
The latest Odyssey continues the trend of offering a flexible and spacious interior with all the space you need. The innovative second-row seats mentioned above are called Magic Slide, and they definitely improve the versatility. They are even movable while you have a child seat in place. The only downside of this system is that you have to actually remove the second row’s seats and put them somewhere if you want extra room. Doing so is worth the trouble since they only weigh about 70 pounds each, and removing them gives you 144.9 cubic feet behind the first row. Or just use the 32.8 cubic feet that are behind the third row or the 86.6 cubes behind the second row.
The third row of seats folds down with ease. Keep in mind that while you cannot stow the second-row seats, they are much more comfortable than in competitors. They almost feel as if they should be in the first row. Impressively enough, the third row can comfortably fit adults, provided you take advantage of the Magic Slide second row.
source: ShutterStock
Safety to Deliver Confidence
The Honda Odyssey leaves little room to complain about safety, earning a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the status of a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Every model has plenty of airbags, plus a rearview camera. All but the base also have forward collision warning featuring automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning with active lane control, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, rear cross traffic alerts, and adaptive cruise control. The top trims even add parking sensors.
