Minivans, despite being more stylish with every new generation, are generally known to be family-friendly and inoffensive. With their target market, they somehow need to be. Yet sometimes, car companies take a bold step in the style direction and come up with striking designs that actually elicit a second glance. Case in point is the all-new, 2018 Honda Odyssey.
Launched at the ongoing North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the latest Odyssey features the Japanese carmaker’s Flying Wing front grille design, along with available LED headlamps set in a sleeker-looking cluster. The signature Lightning Bolt side treatment is now bolder. It is even cleaner, thanks to sliding door rails that now reside underneath the rear quarter window. And the rear tailights, LEDs of course, complete the look.
Beneath all this style lies an innovative cabin that is built specifically for modern folks that need to stay connected at all times yet still value comfort and practicality. The colors, for instance, are more subdued and designed to hide those ugly food and drink stains. The eight-inch touchscreen allows occupants to control various functions as well as link their numerous devices to the vehicle.
While the Odyssey comes with the latest in in-car connectivity, Honda ups the ante with stuff like its own operating system for the infotainment system, Social Play List, which lets all eight occupants upload their selected songs to the system via their smartphones, CabinControl, letting drivers manipulate rear climate and entertainment settings using their phones, and CabinWatch and CabinTalk. The last two tech bits let front seat occupants watch over and talk to those in the rear via the use of a camera and the rear entertainment system, respectively. It’s the new way of interacting with the connected family.
This being a minivan, versatility is pretty much standard fare. Honda’s vaunted Magic Slide second-row seat allows various passenger and cargo configurations. You’ve got Easy Access Mode, Super Mode, Buddy Mode, and Wide Mode. All these, together with better noise insulation and first-rate materials, make for a truly relaxing journey.
Powering the new Honda Odyssey will be a 3.5-liter direct-injection VTEC V6 with 280hp. It is paired with either a 9-speed automatic or a first-in-class 10-speed gearbox. Plus, Honda threw in goodies like Intelligent Traction Management System, Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering, and Agile Handling Assist. Thus, the Odyssey, while still a family hauler, promises a bit of fun behind the wheel.
With a body made of ultra high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium the Odyssey is now both lightweight and strong. Body rigidity and strength are backed by Honda Sensing safety suite. The safety aids consist of Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, among others. It’s total peace of mind for the whole family.
The 2018 Honda Odyssey goes on sale stateside in the second quarter of 2017.
