The All-New 2018 Honda Odyssey is More Family-Friendly than Ever

The Honda Odyssey has been the most popular minivan with American car buyers for seven years running. Now that the much-hyped Chrysler Pacifica threatens to take this top position, Honda has really upped their game with the 2018 Odyssey.

2018 Honda Odyssey

Debuting today in Detroit at the 2017 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the all-new Odyssey has taken the model's family-friendly design to the next level. It also offers better performance and an impressive list of new features and technologies.

Cutting Edge Family-Friendliness

There is no denying that the 2018 Odyssey has been designed and built with families in mind. Higher trim levels are outfitted with stain-resistant leather interiors. And parent-pleasing details have been added. These include black carpeting and black seatbelts that are designed to conceal stains, and a grooveless tambour lid on the center console that will prevent crumbs and debris from accumulating.

When it comes to family-friendly seating, Honda's new Magic Slide™ seats are poised to provide unmatched convenience for moms and dads on the go. Even when traveling with little ones in rear-facing child seats, these children and kids riding in the third row can be easily accessible to adults up front. This is thanks to the fact that the seats can be easily reconfigured to fit a family's needs. With several different seating modes available, families can achieve optimal comfort even when traveling with multiple children (up to six, with two adults) of varied ages.

Updated Appearance and Performance

The newest version of the Odyssey boasts the kind of sophisticated styling that can easily support the argument that a minivan doesn't have to be frumpy in order to do its job. Here, Honda's signature "flying wing" front grille ensures a classy entrance. LED headlights are available to enhance the new and refined design. In addition, the sliding door tracks are now hidden in the lower portion of the rear quarter windows, creating a more elegant profile.

Under the hood, base models are powered by a 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). At best, drivers can expect this engine to crank out 280SAE net horsepower (+32 HP). It's also worth noting that two new transmissions will be available. Buyers can now choose from a 9-speed automatic version or, on upper trims, a Honda-developed 10-speed automatic - the first of its kind to be offered in a minivan.

The new, lightweight body is more rigid than its predecessors, and this, coupled with new powertrain options and chassis technology, is expected to make the Odyssey a top performer in its class. EPA-estimated fuel economy is also predicted to be impressive. Finally, a whisper-quiet cabin and precise steering and handling should make for a very comfortable ride.

Safety and Technology

One of the most impressive features of the new Odyssey is that all trim levels will come standard with Honda Sensing™. This isn't just one feature, but a whole slew of highly advanced driver-assistive technologies. These include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

This powerhouse of a minivan is also equipped with the Odyssey's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™). This system includes advanced airbags that feature new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. With all of this, it's clear that the Honda has its sights on the NHTSA's highest available safety ratings.

Although heavy on safety technology, the Odyssey also doesn't skimp on infotainment bells and whistles. An 8-inch high-resolution (720P) touchscreen interface allows easy access to Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and more. With the optional connected rear entertainment system, passengers in the second -and third -rows can pass the time with videos streamed on a ceiling-mounted, 10.2-inch screen.

If kids get too rowdy, adults up front can keep tabs on them through the CabinWatch feature. This involves a camera that is connected to the display screen up front and enables the driver and the front passenger to know what's going on in the back even when it's dark outside. And if a parent needs to take verbal action, the Odyssey comes with a microphone that can override the infotainment system so parents can get their message through even if the kids are wearing headphones.

Pricing and Availability

No information is available yet on pricing for the all-new 2018 Odyssey, but it will be available at dealerships nationwide in the spring. Pricing details are expected to be made closer to its on-sale date.