This Honda minivan ranks among the best family cars. Here's why.
When it comes to minivans, the Honda Odyssey has a long and trusted history. For close to two decades, the Odyssey has been one of the innovation leaders in the minivan field, and it continues to bring many of the industry's first features to the market with each upgraded redesign. With top minivan features for families like built-in vacuum cleaners and entertainment systems, it continues to lead the pack for those looking for a family vehicle. If you are in the market for a new minivan, the Honda Odyssey has many impressive features worth considering. Here are some reasons that the Honda Odyssey may be the best minivan for you.
1. Excellent styling
If you want to turn heads, the Honda Odyssey's styling is sure to please. For both the 2016 Honda Odyssey and the 2017 Honda Odyssey, the lines create a sophisticated look, with a boxier appearance over the more aerodynamic look of its predecessors. In fact, the Odyssey's style makes it look more like an SUV than a minivan, though it has all of the features of a minivan to make it an appealing family car option.
2. Excellent performance
Under the hood of the Odyssey, you'll find a 248 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 powerplant. This gives the van quite a bit of power and acceleration. As we explained in our Toyota Sienna vs Honda Odyssey which to buy article, you’ll also find that the cylinder deactivation system lets the Odyssey be a fuel efficient vehicle for your family, without sacrificing power when it's needed. In fact, the past few models of the Odyssey have offered what some consider the best drivetrain in the minivan category.
3. Room to spread out
When it comes to choosing the best family car, it's important to ensure that all passengers, even those kids who have to ride in the back, have the space they need, and the Odyssey delivers in this regard. The Honda Odyssey provides room for up to eight passengers to ride comfortably with space to stretch out their legs. If you don't need room for eight, simply fold down the center middle-row seat to create a console, or remove it altogether!
4. Fun to drive
The Honda minivan has led the pack among minivans as the best to drive, and the Odyssey continues to lead in this regard. Handling effortlessly around corners, the Odyssey provides the ease of driving of a sedan with the benefits of a minivan. It features precise steering with solid feedback, making it a pleasure to drive even in rough conditions. The steering wheel is well balanced and weighted, and it places multiple functions at your fingertips.
5. Packed with entertainment features
One of the reasons that the Odyssey stands out as one of the best family cars is the many convenience features built into its design. Your family will never lack for something to do with this vehicle. Some of the entertainment features you'll find on the Odyssey, depending on the trim you choose, include:
SiriusXM® Radio on the SE and above
Rear Entertainment System with the SE and above
HondaVAC® built-in vacuum with the SE and above
Bluetooth® in all models
Three-zone climate control in the EX and above
"The Odyssey provides the ease of driving of a sedan with the benefits of a minivan. A minivan isn't complete without plenty of room to store your stuff. The Odyssey delivers."
By choosing your model carefully, you'll be able to get the exact entertainment features you want.
6. Exceptionally smooth ride
The Honda Odyssey's not only pleasurable to drive, but it also provides a noticeably smooth ride. From 2011 through 2013 the Odyssey had a five-speed automatic transmission, which was known for its seamless shifting. The 2014 Honda Odyssey got a six-speed automatic. Then, in the 2018 model year, the minivan was upgraded to include nine- and 10-speed transmission options. Throughout the model years, the Odyssey’s transmission has been known as one of the best in the industry. The four-wheel independent suspension provides a ride that glides along effortlessly with minimal lean on turns.
7. Multiple trims to choose from
With the Odyssey you get flexibility, and the minivan has numerous different trim levels to ensure you get exactly what you want. The models, from the base trim to the most luxurious trim, include:
Honda Odyssey LX
Honda Odyssey EX
Honda Odyssey SE
Honda Odyssey EX-L
Honda Odyssey Touring
Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
With each of these you’ll get the same superior handling and smooth ride, but upgraded technology, safety features, and entertainment as you move up. All trims except the LX have seating for up to eight passengers, which helps the Odyssey stand out. All of the models have the i-VTEC V6 engine, power-adjustable front passenger seats, one-motion 60/40-split third-row Magic Seat, power windows, Pandora® compatibility, rear privacy glass, and a lockable glove compartment.
8. Excellent cargo space
A minivan isn't complete without plenty of room to store your stuff, and the Odyssey delivers. The 60/40 bench seat in the third row folds down at a touch of a button, freeing cargo room when the additional seat isn't needed. The 2017 Odyssey has 38.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, with 93.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 148.5 cubic feet behind the front row. This outshines the competition in terms of storage space. While the other model years vary slightly from this, the minivan's design continues to focus on providing ample storage. With the Odyssey's flexible seating, accessing the storage is simple. A power liftgate makes getting to the storage a breeze when your hands are packed with groceries.
9. Skip the traffic
If you choose an Odyssey that comes equipped with navigation, you'll get the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which is available on EX-L models and is standard on all Touring models. This Garmin®-based navigation system has voice-recognition, simplified functions, excellent graphics, and superior GPS guidance. Avoid traffic and delays with this built-in navigation system. The on-board screen is large and easy to navigate.
10. Stylized interior
The Honda Odyssey’s interior is sleek and stylish, with plenty of cup holders, USB connectors, and storage compartments for your needs. All trims have conveniences like a tilt and telescopic steering column, front illuminated vanity mirrors, map lights, a front bag hook, and a lockable glove compartment. Chrome door handles, sunglasses holder, a rear storage well, cargo area lights, and front door courtesy lights are also standard across the trims. In the upper trims you’ll get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient footwell lighting, and an auto-dimming review mirror. Each of the interior features is modern and sleek, making it an attractive vehicle both inside and outside
Overall the Honda Odyssey minivan remains one of the best family cars, and for good reason. With plenty of space, excellent handling, beautiful styling, and a number of entertainment features for the entire family, it’s tough to go wrong with this vehicle.
