The 2018 Honda Odyssey Review - The Perfect Family Car
Introduction
I've often discussed with my friends who have large families the challenges they face in the car market. Many people tend to think about buying a large SUV when they need a family vehicle, forgetting that they are paying a premium for features like all-wheel drive, larger wheels, and specialized suspension for rough terrains, despite not using the vehicle for off-road driving. Most overlook options designed specifically for passenger transport, such as the 2018 Honda Odyssey. Let me introduce you to this family-friendly companion.
Main Features
- Engine: 3.5 liters / 6 cylinders
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Power: 280 horsepower / 355 Nm torque
- Top Speed: 180 km/h
- Price: AED 173,000
Exterior Design
First, I can say that the design of the 2018 Honda Odyssey is among the best in its class. The Odyssey features stylish headlights, daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, and power sliding doors that can be operated using the key fob.
At the back, the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate that allows you to control the height of the opening. It also offers a spacious and deep cargo area that can be expanded by folding the third-row seats and removing the second-row seats.
Interior Design
The interior design focuses primarily on usability. The traditional gear lever has been replaced with buttons on the dashboard to maximize storage space in the center console, along with ample storage compartments in the doors and a sliding door for additional storage beneath the center console. The Odyssey also provides significant flexibility in adjusting the rear seats to accommodate various numbers of passengers or cargo.
As for the materials used, they are of good quality, with soft materials on the dashboard and leather on the seats in our version, which comes with automatic climate control for the driver and front passenger, along with air conditioning for the rear seats.
Technology and Safety Features
The 2018 Honda Odyssey comes equipped with numerous features, including:
- Keyless entry with automatic locking when you walk away from the car
- Push-button start
- Entertainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system from Garmin
- 11-speaker audio system with a subwoofer
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
- Voice command capabilities
- Wireless smartphone charging in the center console
- Rear seat passenger monitoring system via a camera on the screen
- Audio communication system for rear passengers, especially when using the headphones provided with the vehicle
- Automatic climate control for three zones
As a family-oriented vehicle, it also comes equipped with numerous safety features:
- Rearview camera with three different viewing angles and sensors in the front and rear.
- Front and side airbags, as well as knee airbags for front passengers and side airbags for rear passengers.
- Blind spot monitoring system.
- Lane departure warning system.
- Adaptive cruise control system.
- Collision warning system with automatic braking to prevent potential accidents.
Driving Experience
One of the key advantages of driving such vehicles is that you don't feel the size of the car while driving. Indeed, the Honda Odyssey's steering and suspension provide excellent stability on the road with minimal body roll during turns. This gives you the sensation of driving a much smaller vehicle. With its 3.5L V6 engine generating 280 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque, you'll find the Odyssey to be quite agile and sufficiently quick for its class. Coupled with a ten-speed transmission, it delivers solid performance while also being fuel-efficient, especially when utilizing the Econ mode for fuel savings.
Conclusion
The 2018 Honda Odyssey starts at AED 140,000 and can reach up to AED 173,000 for the version we discussed today. At this price point, I believe the Honda Odyssey is one of the best choices for those looking for a vehicle in the growing minivan market. Don’t forget to check out the specifications of its competitors, and if you ultimately decide to purchase the 2018 Honda Odyssey, I wouldn't be surprised.
