2019 Honda Odyssey

Overview

Think minivans are fading away thanks to a proliferation of crossovers? Think again. More than a half-million of these versatile family haulers roll off dealer lots each year. The Honda Odyssey was all new for 2018 and arrived sporting a more stylish exterior in the hopes of wooing buyers—and fending off the handsome and incredibly versatile Chrysler Pacifica. The cabin is roomy, quiet, and comfortable for the whole family, even those relegated to the third row. An abundance of inventive options such as an onboard vacuum, a video baby monitor, and an in-cabin intercom system accompany the expected infotainment and rear-seat-entertainment features. Honda is now offering its suite of driver-assistance technologies—including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control—as standard equipment on all but the base LX trim level. It all adds up to a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous crossover for moving family, friends, and cargo.

What's New for 2019?

Nothing. Honda completely redesigned and re-engineered the Odyssey for 2018 and there are no updates for 2019.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Brisk acceleration, surprisingly engaging on a twisty road, two transmission options.
Dislikes: Harsh ride on optional 19-inch wheels, numb steering, 10-speed transmission seems indecisive at some cruising speeds.

Fleet-footed, efficient, and polished, the Odyssey's powertrain is a sweetheart and requires zero compromises. The standard V-6 emits a sonorous burble, but only when the driver is deep in the throttle; otherwise, nary a peep enters the cabin to disturb occupants. Two automatic transmissions are offered—a nine-speed and a 10-speed—and with either one the Odyssey's acceleration on our test track is impressive. The top-level Elite gets the 10-speed and managed a 6.6-second run from zero to 60 mph.

The Odyssey changes direction crisply, and from behind the wheel it's easy to forget you're piloting a three-row van. The steering is direct and the effort is light, but more feedback from the road would be welcome. Driving enthusiasts won't rave—it's still a minivan, after all—but the Odyssey is the best-driving minivan, and its nimbleness makes it competent in corners and easy to drive on narrow roads. Our Elite test van's ride wasn't as compliant as that of our long-term Pacifica, but its standard 19-inch wheels could be partly to blame. Our EX-L test vehicle wore 18-inch wheels and seemed better-suited to pockmarked Michigan roads. Over most road surfaces, the Odyssey displays a comfortable ride, and few passengers will complain.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Despite its fuel-saving tenth cog, the Odyssey Touring and Elite score the same EPA fuel-economy ratings as the LX, EX, and EX-L that are equipped with the nine-speed automatic. In our real-world testing, our Elite test vehicle outperformed its EPA estimation, delivering 30 mpg, while an EX-L fell 1 mpg shy of its rating. For comparison, the all-wheel-drive Toyota Sienna delivered 27 mpg and our long-term Pacifica managed 33 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Comfortable first- and second-row seats, clever second-row arrangement, customizable infotainment.
Dislikes: Second-row seats are heavy and difficult to remove, cargo space is compromised by complicated seat mechanism.

Hauling people and things to places near and far is a minivan's primary mission, and the Odyssey completes said mission with aplomb. Its second and third rows are among the roomiest in the class, and its second-row seats are far more comfortable than the Pacifica's. Honda's inventive second-row Magic Slide seats (standard on EX trims and up) slide both side to side and fore and aft, allowing for multiple configurations. Throw in some fun tech features, a sprinkle of ingenuities, and a quietest-in-class cabin, and the Odyssey is a hauler that is fit for the modern family.

Except for the base LX trim, all Odysseys get an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Display Audio. The software allows for customization of the menu layout and smartphone connectivity not only via Bluetooth, but also via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional on EX-L models and standard on both the Touring and Elite is a rear-seat entertainment system with built-in streaming apps.

The Odyssey may be highly styled, but it's still a big box on wheels. Its square shape and low load floor mean there is a lot of space for hauling cargo, but some rivals do it better and with less hassle. Yanking those second-row seats requires muscle, as the two outboard seats weigh in at 68 pounds each. Once removed, the optional Magic Slide seat mechanism remains in the floor, creating an obstacle for cargo. With its third row of seats stowed and its second row removed, the Odyssey hauled five fewer carry-ons than the Sienna.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Odyssey sailed through its crash testing with both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning a five-star safety rating and a Top Safety Pick+ award. Honda also saw fit to provide a full suite of driver-assistance features as standard equipment on EX trims and above. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda's standard warranty package on the Odyssey mirrors that of most of its rivals and offers nothing that stands out in the crowd. The Kia Sedona is the warranty winner here, with a 10-year policy for its powertrain and a limited warranty that lasts two years longer than any of its rivals.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance