2018 HONDA ODYSSEY A FAB FAMILY RIDE
All-new model proves that for practical transportation, you can’t beat a minivan
Why on earth would anyone want a minivan? They’re boring old boxes that scream “soccer mom,” and there’s so much more on the market these days, right?
Well, here’s the scoop: If you have to haul friends, family and freight, an SUV or crossover doesn’t come close to a minivan’s practicality. You get sliding doors for easier access, roomier thirdrow seats and actual cargo space behind them. And now, Honda has improved its offering, the Odyssey, with an all-new version for 2018.
The expected upgrades are there, including a stiffer body, a new engine and transmission, and more connectivity features. There are also some thoughtful tweaks, such as a smooth console lid because the old grooved one caught crumbs, which doesn’t sound like much unless you’ve tried to clean one.
The new Odyssey comes in six trim levels, starting at $34,890 for the LX and rising to the topof-the-line Touring at $50,290. The volume seller should be the $38,090 EX, which can be optioned with three packages.
The base Odyssey costs a hefty $3,800 over the 2017 model, but Honda justifies it with several new standard features, including emergency braking, cellphone integration and eight-passenger seating. That puts it above the Dodge Grand Caravan, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna, but below the Chrysler Pacifica. It’s unfortunate for such a practical vehicle, but once the Grand Caravan rides off into the sunset in a couple of years, there aren’t going to be any bargain-basement vans.
The Odyssey’s engine is still a 3.5-litre V6, but it’s a new version that’s more powerful than before. It now has 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, but with virtually the same fuel economy as before. It seamlessly deactivates half the cylinders when full power isn’t needed, while the Touring also includes an auto-stop that shuts it off when you’re waiting at a light.
The six-speed automatic transmission has been upgraded to a nine-speed in the LX and EX, and a ten-speed in the Touring, the only model I drove. Designed and built in-house by Honda, the transmission is exceptionally smooth. Perhaps the highest praise is that I seldom noticed it doing its job; it never shifted abruptly or hunted for a gear. But I hate that there’s a row of gear buttons, instead of a lever, which I find awkward to use.
The Odyssey is a pleasure to drive. The new electric steering is well weighted and precise, and it takes curves and corners with very un-minivan-like sharpness. I was told P.E.I. stands for “Potholes Every Inch,” which seemed about right, but the ride stayed comfortable and quiet, with even the worst bumps soaked up by the suspension before they could get to the cabin.
Up front, there’s a tray on the floor where a purse or pack can be stowed and accessed. The console includes a deep storage box, and on the Touring, a wireless charging pad. An eight-inch infotainment screen is standard on all, and navigation can be added to the EX and is standard on Touring. The on-board vacuum cleaner returns, and is now included in the EX and up.
The second-row chairs are now dubbed Magic Seats. They don’t fold into the floor as the Chrysler Pacifica’s do, and they’re heavy if you want to take them out, but they have cool tricks of their own. The eighth seating position is a tot-sized half-seat that most people will probably remove. Once it’s out, the two middle seats slide sideways. You can pull the kids apart when they’re fighting, or push them together when they’re best buds. If one chair has a child seat of any size attached, you don’t have to remove it for third-row access; instead, simply slide the whole thing over.
Keeping up with electronic gadgets, the Odyssey now includes a phone app that lets you remotely lock or start it, check the tire pressure or find it in a parking lot. Up to seven other phones can connect inside to change the climate control or download songs (relax, you can lock them out if you want), and the Touring offers on-board Wi-Fi.
Two new features are CabinTalk, which picks up the driver’s voice and broadcasts it to the rear, either through speakers or the rear entertainment system’s headphones, and an infrared camera system called CabinWatch. Hit the icon and what’s happening in the rear seat is projected in the centre screen, even when the cabin’s dark; basically, it’s an electronic version of a conversation mirror. It’s a neat technology, but I think it’s way too distracting.
The new Odyssey looks good, too, with sharper edges and a sliding-door rail that’s now hidden under the window instead of cutting across the rear quarter. New hinges replace the previous liftgate struts for a wider rear opening, while the side-door step-in height is the lowest of its competitors and easier for young children. It may be minor stuff, but it all adds up.
Minivans are in a small segment and one that many people don’t consider much anymore, but dare to be different. If it’s all about looking rough-and-tough, then go for the sport ute, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you want practical, lots-of-people transportation, you will never do better than a minivan.