The 2018 Honda Odyssey: A Game-Changer In The Minivan Market


Honda has done it again.

The Japanese car manufacturer has long been a staple within the vehicle-buying market. Whether it be crafting cars rooted in fuel efficiency, safety or aesthetics, Honda consistently produces great vehicles. In 2018, this narrative is no different. The 2018 Honda Odyssey is a fantastic mode of transportation for those in search of a minivan. While single people surely would love this car, the value of this car sits with large families.

There are a number of configurations from underneath the 2018 Honda Odyssey umbrella — including LX ($29,990), EX ($33,960), EX-L ($37,460), EX-L Navi/RES ($39,460), Touring ($44,610), and Elite ($46,770). Those prices are rather affordable, particularly when further analyzing the enhancements made by Honda in terms of performance.

The engine/performance metrics have been revamped from last year’s model. In the 2018 installation, base Odysseys come equipped with a 3.5-Liter V-6 engine. This includes 280 HP and a nine-speed automatic transmission (though 10-speed automatic transmission is also available). The 2018 version of the Odyssey received 32 more HP than last year’s model. It corresponds with a collectively smoother ride and impressive acceleration for a vehicle of this physical stature. The 2018 Honda Odyssey gets rough approximations of 19 miles-per-gallon in city driving, and 28 miles-per-gallon on the highway.

Front-wheel drive is standard with base models. Though it’s not solely crafted for families, the 2018 Honda Odyssey possesses ample space for a full crew of people. As such, steering capabilities are of the utmost importance. This year’s model has responsive steering — perfect for sudden dips, turns, curves, and divots in the road.

From a color standpoint, there are a number of exciting options — including Forest Mist Metallic, Pacific Pewter Metallic, Obsidian Blue Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Diamond Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Deep Scarlet Pearl. Much like the engine, the interior cabin has also seen nice upgrades in overall class and quality. There are now a number of newer touches which raise the collective opulence from within the vehicle.

Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seats are standard — though one can opt for a 12-way one as well. Other available features include a heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, HondaVAC, CabinWatch, HondLink, 11-speaker sound system, voice recognition, memory settings on one’s seat, power sliding doors, and ventilated/heated front seats. There’s also ample leg room and head room in all available rows — whether one’s in the front, the second, or the third level.

Duly, the infotainment system is very practical from within the cabin. One can opt for the touch screen in various sizes (5″, 8″). Honda also prioritizes safety to a great degree. There are ancillary options for the consumer to purchase. Some of these features include hands-free text messaging, multi-angle rear-view camera, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, road-departure warning, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The IIHS offered ‘GOOD’ rankings for all five of its major safety categories. Not to be outdone, the NHTSA gave 5-star marks for three major subjects — including side crash, frontal crash, and overall rating.

Without question, the 2018 Honda Odyssey is a major player in the minivan vehicle market. There are few able to compare with everything this specific car has to offer.

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Image Source: Consumer Reports