Flash Drive

2018 Honda Odyssey

December 21, 2017 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is still considered a mini van although it has grown significantly since the original mini vans.

Engine: 3.5-liter VTEC V-6, 280 horsepower 262 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 10-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19-mpg city/28-mpg highway/22-mpg combined

Base Price: $46,670

As Tested: $47,610

Performance:

Pleasant highway ride

Nice handling, especially for a mini van

Paddle shifters even though this is a mini van

The 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite has a huge power tailgate, which makes loading large items easy.

10-speed automatic transmission

Typically smooth, powerful Honda V-6

Good passing power

Excellent fuel economy; our best was 27.5-mpg highway in Eco mode

Buttons for Econ and Snow modes

Blind Spot Information System

Comfort:

Excellent driver leg and headroom

Driver power lumbar support, but not very firm

Heated and ventilated front seats (3 temp choices)

Front seat space and comfort are excellent in the 2018 Honda Odyssey.

Medium thick, heated leather steering wheel

Very good front passenger legroom, but tight for shoes under dash

Flat floor second row

Second row seats slide forward/back and sideways (if center console is removed)

OK size third row seats (moveable second row helps)

Utility:

Power sliding side doors

Huge, very versatile cargo area

When the second row console is removed the sliding seats greatly ease third row access.

Third row seats tumble into floor

Very large recessed bin when seats are up

Multi-position sliding second row seats

Medium size sunroof

Purse hook on passenger side of center console

Lots of front row small item storage

Large front door bins and bottle notches

Long sunvisors

Vacuum cleaner in left rear corner of cargo area

The 2018 Honda Odyssey third row seats easily tumble into a huge bin under the flat cargo deck.

Handy B-pillar grab handles

Locking, medium size glovebox

Rain-sensing wipers

WOW Factors:

Power tailgate with hands-free operation

Wireless phone charging pad on center console

Built-in vacuum cleaner

Whines:

Radio/satellite radio can only be tuned on touch screen

Too many sharp styling creases on vehicle sides

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a state-of-the-art min van that’s anything but diminutive on the inside.

The removable second row center section has a large armrest/storage feature.

Passenger and cargo capacity is excellent and highly versatile. Honda engineering, technology, safety, and quality construction are a given.