Upgrades to interior set new Honda Odyssey apart from competition

Hawaii’s Big Island might seem like an unusual spot to introduce Honda’s fifth-generation minivan. In fact, the Kona district on the island was perfect for testing the 2018 Odyssey’s competencies over mostly two-lane roads that stretch over peaks and valleys and alongside breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas.

Bringing along family members for this unique test drive was also an opportune way to assess the latest Odyssey and gain feedback from those young and old seated in all three rows.

Not every minivan purchaser carries a passel of munchkins, but enough of them do, and Honda clearly considers it its sacred duty to ensure comfort and cargo capacity for all. As a result, calling the eight-passenger Odyssey a “minivan” is a misnomer, as it is for its primary competitors such as the Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest and Kia Sedona.

All are about equal in size and not easily maneuvered over narrow roadways or into tightfitting shopping-mall stalls. But if comfort and capacity is the name of the game, then a generously proportioned interior is mandatory.

Truth be told, the 2018 Odyssey doesn’t look all that different from the 2017 model, but Honda did fix a previous styling hitch. From the side, it seemed as though the body was misaligned. Not anymore. The designers also made the visually distracting sliding-door tracks disappear and the rear roof pillars now appear detached from the lower body. The look is less slab-sided than before, which somewhat reduces the minivan’s boxiness.

Interior content sets the new Odyssey apart from past models as well as from the competition. Chief among them is the second row “Magic Slide” seat that can be converted to captain’s chairs by removing the bench’s mid-section. The remaining portions can be left separate or pushed together on tracks to form a twoperson bench. In that configuration, access to the third row is a cinch.

Cabin environment is also quieter with the addition of acoustic foam pumped into various structural cavities. A Honda engineer said that this simple procedure significantly reduces road noise from “leaking” into the passenger compartment.

Other handy optional accessories include the CabinTalk public-address system that lets frontseat passengers communicate to riders in back. The CabinWatch infrared camera monitors the activities of second- and third-row occupants through the touchscreen.

The downloadable CabinControl smartphone app can remotely operate the rear entertainment system, rear climate controls and also send directions to the navigation system.

Returning in significantly updated form is the 3.5-litre V-6 that now generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, up from 248/250. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission on lower-level trims, while the top-end Touring model uses a 10-speed automatic. Both come with column-mounted paddles for manual shifting. The extra gear increases towing capacity to 1,590 kilograms from 1,365.

Odyssey pricing starts at $36,700 for the base LX, however the Touring model tested here rings in at $52,100 (both prices include destination fees).

The adults aboard appreciated the Odyssey’s smooth and strong power delivery, rock-steady

cornering stability and rear-seat monitoring, while the youngsters loved playing with the power-controlled sliding doors and rear-seating flexibility. They also easily took to the video system that includes two sets of wireless headphones.

For running errands or for a day at the beach (The Big Island is loaded with them), the Odyssey was deemed to be the ideal family bus.