Model Tested: 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite
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
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)
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
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
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.
Passenger and cargo capacity is excellent and highly versatile. Honda engineering, technology, safety, and quality construction are a given.
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