Vehicle Tested
| 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Base Price: $44,450
As-Tested Price: $45,280
Built in Alabama.
Options
None
Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 284 horsepower
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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Setting out to purchase a minivan may not seem like the most glorious mission, but, whether you realize it or not, it's a decision that will make every day of your life easier for the next five years. Why? Simply, there's no better vehicle for an active family of four or more than a minivan. No vehicle can carry more passengers, tote more stuff and be comfortable and fuel efficient while doing it. Anyone that tells you different is lying.
For today's buyers, there are just a handful of minivans to choose from, thankfully they are all modern, loaded with convenience features and fairly priced. Competitors include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna. Pretenders include seven-passenger crossover SUVs like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Flex, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Sonata, and Mazda CX-9.
The current Honda Odyssey has been available unchanged since 2011. The biggest improvement in recent years has been the addition of an in-vehicle vacuum. Like all minivans, the Odyssey has two power-operated sliding side doors and a rear liftgate. Third-row seats fold into cubbies at the rear and second-row seats are removable.
Five models are offered, all come standard with front-wheel drive: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. Prices range from $28,825 for the LX to $44,450 for the Touring Elite. All are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 248 horsepower. The engine mates to a six-speed automatic and drives the front wheels. All models get Honda's variable cylinder management system that is designed to improve fuel economy when cruising or coasting. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds.
As per Honda practice, there are no additional factory-installed options. Odyssey is built in Lincoln, Alabama, and has a $830 destination charge.
Get Up and Go Honda pegs the 0 to 60 mph time for the Odyssey at 8.8 seconds. That's quick for the class, trailing only the Toyota Sienna. Around town, the new Odyssey feels lively with good low speed throttle response and plenty of giddy up. Once on the open road, the engine seems to run out of gas in high-speed passing, but that's not uncommon for the class.
The six-speed automatic has well-spaced gears and reacts quickly in passing situations. However, it doesn't shift as smoothly as you'd expect, especially at low speeds where it hesitates when swapping between gears.
The Odyssey checks in with EPA ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and an overall number of 22. Given that this is a 4500-pound box on wheels, those are impressive numbers to say the least. The Sienna, for example is EPA rated at 18/25 mpg. Add to that the fact that Odyssey runs fine on regular-grade gasoline and you have the makings of a fuel-economy champ - at least in the minivan class.
Real-world fuel economy will greatly depend on your driving style and typical commute. In an even mix of light highway and suburban commuting, you are likely to see about 22 mpg overall. Throw in a lot of stop-and-go and local errands and you will see that number drop into the high teens. Straight highway driving yields the EPA recommended 28 mpg.
On the Road For a minivan, Odyssey has a very firm ride. That's not to say it's harsh, but it certainly isn't as cushy as you'd expect. The suspension does a good job of soaking up larger bumps, but small road imperfections seem to transfer through with little filtering. On the plus side, Odyssey doesn't bound or bounce on wavy roads and remains composed at all times.
The Odyssey has long been the sportiest-feeling minivan, though it's questionable if that's a positive trait in this class. The steering is direct and natural and body lean is nicely kept in check. Brakes are up to the task and the pedal is quite easy to modulate.
Touring Elite gets 18-inch wheels and tires versus 17-inchers on other models. That makes some difference in handling traits and ride quality. For example, lesser models seem to have more bump absorption and the Touring Elite has a crisp feeling in turn in that's lacking on other models.
High interior noise levels have long been an Odyssey weak point, with road and wind noise making conversation difficult between the first and third row seats. Honda engineers have deployed the active noise control across all models now and that seems to help, although there's still more tire noise in the third row than expected. Thankfully, wind rush and engine noise are well muffled.
Behind the Wheel Odyssey boasts a form-follows-function interior with flowing lines and a straight-forward design. Materials are class appropriate and fit and finish is top notch.
You really get the idea you're commanding a starship when you sit behind the wheel of a Touring Elite. There are three banks of buttons and knobs and a very large display screen. It can be a bit daunting at first, but over time you become accustomed to the various buttons and their functions. Lesser models have simpler controls that are more intuitive.
Thankfully gauges are easy to read and most other controls are placed exactly where you'd want them.
The front seats are quite comfortable and provide adequate support when tackling twisty roads. Leg and head room are quite good and entry-exit is easy through wide doors and modest step up. Outward visibility is excellent forward, but somewhat blocked to the rear quarters because of the thick rear pillars. This isn't uncommon for minivans, but in the case of the Odyssey, blind-spot identification is only available on the top-line models.
Second-row seats are nearly as comfortable as the first, especially when set in wide mode. This puts additional space between the seats that's welcome when adults are forced to sit there. It also provides a wider center pass through when the center seat/console is removed. Third-row seats are actually adult comfortable. Getting back there isn't too difficult either, as Honda has done a good job of making the second-row seat tip and slide at the touch of one lever.
Most minivan owners are toting around kids and make good use of the rear-seat entertainment system. Odyssey's standard option in the EX-L and Touring features a single screen in the center that's best suited to playing DVDs. Touring Elite gets an ultra wide (and narrow) 16.2-inch screen that can play two different movies at once. There's also an HDMI input in the back for video game consoles.
Odyssey boasts an impressively versatile cargo area. Not only is it among the more capricious in the class, but it's also easily configured. There's a deep well behind the third row seats. Folding those seats into that well is a simple one step motion and creates a long and flat floor. Second-row seats don't fold into the floor, like on the Chrysler or Dodge, but they are easily removed to provide a long and wide enough cargo space for a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Interior storage cubbies and bins abound and there are plenty of drink holders.
Bottom Line Though minivan sales aren't what they used to be, Honda's still betting it is a profitable segment and the Odyssey is proof of that. It's a great choice for families on the go with loads of room, amenities and safety features. It's also the sportiest van in the segment and one of the easiest to drive.
No matter what model you buy, Odyssey is going to be slightly more expensive than most competitors. However, if you talk to Odyssey owners that premium price means exceptional reliability and resale value. Though there aren't many true minivans any more, Odyssey is among the best and a sure-fire winner.
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