Honda unveiled the all-new 2018 Odyssey minivan, a vehicle designed from the ground up to cater to the needs of modern families. This sophisticated and feature-rich minivan launched nationwide, bringing a wave of innovation to the segment. Building upon its legacy as a top choice for American car buyers for seven consecutive years, the next-generation Odyssey elevates the standard with an array of new technologies and family-focused features. Let’s delve into what makes the 2018 Honda minivan a game-changer for family transportation.
Sleek Design and Premium Interior of the 2018 Odyssey
The 2018 Honda minivan boasts a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic, marked by Honda’s signature “flying wing” grille and available LED headlights. The front fascia exudes a bold and sporty appeal, cleverly incorporating an Active Shutter Grille to enhance fuel efficiency during highway cruising. The Odyssey’s distinctive lightning bolt beltline is now even more refined, seamlessly concealing the sliding door tracks within the rear quarter windows for a cleaner look. The rear of the vehicle is equally stylish, featuring LED taillights and an optional hands-free power tailgate activated by a simple foot motion.
Stepping inside the 2018 Honda minivan, you’ll be greeted by a premium cabin crafted with high-quality materials. The soft-touch instrument panel and available leather seating surfaces in the first and second rows create an upscale ambiance. The driver-centric cockpit features a new 7-inch full-color TFT display within the instrument cluster, providing essential vehicle information at a glance. At the heart of the dashboard, an available 8-inch high-resolution Display Audio touchscreen (standard on EX and above trims) serves as the command center for infotainment and vehicle settings. Thoughtful touches like stain-resistant leather and darker carpeting and seatbelts in upper trims are designed to withstand the rigors of family life, while a new tambour lid on the center console minimizes crumb accumulation.
Cutting-Edge Connectivity for the Modern Family in the 2018 Honda Minivan
The 2018 Honda minivan redefines in-vehicle connectivity, shifting the focus to “family connectivity.” Beyond simply getting from point A to point B, the Odyssey aims to enhance the journey itself with a suite of advanced technologies. The cabin is remarkably quiet, fostering easy conversation, and is further enhanced by a range of connected features:
- Advanced Display Audio System: This 2018 Honda minivan features a brand-new, Honda-developed operating system for its 8-inch high-resolution (720P) touchscreen. The system is designed for intuitive use, with customizable app tiles and a physical volume knob for ease of control. It seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for smartphone connectivity.
- Over-the-Air System Updates: Keeping your 2018 Honda minivan up-to-date is effortless with the ability to download system updates for both the Display Audio and rear entertainment systems via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, or USB.
- CabinWatch Feature: For added peace of mind, CabinWatch utilizes a camera to project a view of second- and third-row passengers onto the 8-inch Display Audio screen, day or night. This allows the driver and front passenger to discreetly monitor children in the back.
- CabinTalk Feature: Project your voice to the rear of the 2018 Honda minivan with CabinTalk. This feature allows the driver to speak to second- and third-row passengers through the vehicle’s speakers and rear entertainment system headphones, without raising their voice.
- Connected Rear Entertainment System: Long trips are now more enjoyable for rear passengers with the available 10.2-inch WSVGA Rear Entertainment System. Streaming video is readily available via the in-vehicle 4G LTE Wi-Fi, public Wi-Fi, or a user’s smartphone data plan. Pre-loaded apps like PBS Kids, iHeart Radio, and Spotify provide a wealth of entertainment options. The “How Much Farther?” app keeps passengers informed about the journey’s progress.
- CabinControl App: Empower smartphone control with the CabinControl app. Passengers can manage the rear entertainment system, adjust rear cabin climate controls, and even send navigation destinations to the Honda navigation system, all from their smartphones.
- Social Playlist: Turn your 2018 Honda minivan into a rolling jukebox with the Social Playlist feature, part of CabinControl. Up to seven family members can contribute to a shared music playlist via their smartphones, ensuring everyone gets to hear their favorite tunes.
The exceptional quietness of the cabin in this 2018 Honda minivan is achieved through features like triple door seals, available acoustic front and side glass, and enhanced sound-deadening materials throughout the vehicle. Standard Active Sound Control technology further minimizes unwanted noise.
Revolutionary Magic Slide Seats for Unmatched Versatility in the 2018 Odyssey
A standout innovation in the 2018 Honda minivan is the Magic Slide™ second-row seat. This remarkably versatile seating system can be easily reconfigured to prioritize passenger comfort, cargo space, and effortless access to the third row, even with child seats installed. The Magic Slide seats offer several modes:
- Easy Access Mode: With the center seat removed, the outboard seats can slide laterally to five different positions. This creates a wide pathway to the third row, even with rear-facing child seats in place. Sliding a seat closer to the front row also puts a child within easy reach of parents.
- Super Mode: Building upon Easy Access mode, Super Mode further maximizes third-row access by sliding the driver’s side second-row seat forward and tilting the seatback, creating an even larger walk-through space.
- Wide Mode: Removing the center seat and positioning the outboard seats in their outermost positions creates a wide center aisle to the third row, ideal for preventing sibling squabbles.
- Buddy Mode: For closer interaction, Buddy Mode involves removing the center seat and sliding the outboard seats together in the center of the vehicle, placing two passengers in close proximity and within easy reach of front occupants.
Uncompromising Family Safety in the 2018 Honda Minivan
Safety is paramount in the 2018 Honda minivan. Honda Sensing™ suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on EX and above trims, expected to represent the vast majority of sales. This comprehensive suite includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Coupled with the Odyssey’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and advanced airbag system, including new driver and front passenger knee airbags, the 2018 Honda minivan is engineered to achieve top safety ratings, including an NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score and an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.
Additional Features and Performance of the 2018 Odyssey
The 2018 Honda minivan is packed with even more standard and available features, including LED headlights, heated and ventilated front seats, heated side mirrors and steering wheel, auto high-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind spot information (on all models with Honda Sensing), front and rear parking sensors, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Electric Parking Brake with Brake Hold, three-zone automatic climate control, wireless device charging, multi-zone audio, SiriusXM 2.0, Pandora compatibility, HD Radio™, and the integrated HondaVac® vacuum system.
Powering the 2018 Honda minivan is a potent 3.5-liter, direct-injected i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™). This engine delivers 280 SAE net horsepower, a significant increase of 32 HP over the previous model. The engine is paired with either a 9-speed automatic transmission or, in upper trims, a new Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission – a first for minivans – for refined and responsive performance.
These advanced powertrains, combined with a lighter and more rigid body, new chassis technology, and the Odyssey’s aerodynamic design, contribute to class-leading performance and top-tier fuel economy ratings. Honda’s Intelligent Traction Management system with normal and snow modes, Agile Handling Assist, and an upgraded braking system enhance all-weather traction and control.
Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing of the 2018 Honda Minivan
The 2018 Honda minivan benefits from an all-new body and chassis design, resulting in a remarkably quiet cabin, precise steering, agile handling, and a comfortable ride. The body incorporates advanced materials like ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum, and magnesium to minimize weight while maximizing body rigidity. Weight reduction is up to 96 pounds depending on trim, and torsional body rigidity is increased by 44 percent compared to the previous generation.
New chassis features include a highly responsive Dual-Pinion Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for enhanced maneuverability and a compact new trailing arm rear suspension with stabilizer bar, contributing to both improved handling and a more spacious rear cargo area.
The 2018 Honda Odyssey was designed and developed by Honda R&D in North America and is manufactured exclusively at Honda’s Lincoln, Alabama plant. The new 10-speed transmission is produced at the company’s Tallapoosa, Georgia plant. This 2018 Honda minivan represents the ongoing commitment of Honda to meeting the evolving needs of American families.
The 2018 Honda minivan Odyssey stands as a testament to Honda’s dedication to innovation and family-focused design. With its advanced technology, versatile seating, and refined driving experience, the 2018 Honda Odyssey is poised to continue its reign as a top choice in the minivan segment, offering an unparalleled blend of practicality and sophistication for modern families.
