2018 Honda Odyssey: Comprehensive Minivan Review
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2018 Honda Odyssey: A Comprehensive Review of the Minivan
The Honda Odyssey has been a leader in the minivan segment since its debut in 1995. Now, after over two decades and the production of 2.7 million units, the fifth generation of the Honda Odyssey aims to capture the attention of buyers away from its competitors.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 2018 Honda Odyssey is not revolutionary but has been significantly developed compared to its predecessor. Its appearance is undoubtedly more sleek and purposeful. The front features a sporty bumper with clear turn signal lights and LED headlights, along with a redesigned grille that utilizes the 'flying wing' design language, beautifully connecting with the boldly shaped headlights.
The sides of the vehicle showcase elegant curves and lines, giving the Odyssey a sophisticated look that appears longer than it actually is. The blacked-out rear pillar adds a nice touch, creating a distinctive roofline. Honda has repositioned the sliding door rails, placing them just behind the third pillar, resulting in a more streamlined look. Despite the significant increase in the minivan's length and height, the wheelbase remains unchanged at 3 meters.
The rear of the 2018 Honda Odyssey features a thick chrome strip running along the tailgate, seamlessly integrating with the redesigned C-shaped taillights.
Interior Design
The 2018 Honda Odyssey offers a versatile interior that can comfortably seat up to eight passengers. It retains a spacious area behind the third row, which can be folded down for increased cargo space. The second-row seats can be arranged in multiple configurations to meet various needs.
The cabin is notably quiet, thanks to thicker glass throughout, acoustic glass, and a noise-canceling system. Additionally, Honda has made aerodynamic design adjustments and added sound insulation to improve NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels.
Features and Technology
In terms of safety, the 2018 Odyssey comes standard with eight airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution, Vehicle Stability Assist, Traction Control, child seat anchors, a Hill Start Assist, an Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
The higher trims are additionally equipped with adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot monitoring system, lane departure warning, collision mitigation, and rear cross-traffic alert.
As for technological features, the Odyssey comes standard with power windows, power-adjustable front seats for both the driver and passenger, power-sliding rear doors, a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, a premium audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen and seven speakers, USB and AUX inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Odyssey also includes keyless entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, ambient lighting, and automatic climate control.
Specifications and Trims
The 2018 Odyssey is equipped with a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that directs power to the front wheels, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds despite its estimated weight of 2 tons.
The Honda Odyssey 2018 will go on sale in the UAE this November, with the base LX trim priced at AED 140,000, the mid-level EX-L trim at AED 153,000, and the top-tier Touring trim at AED 173,000.
Conclusion
With exceptional safety features, a spacious interior, a powerful V6 engine, and an improved driving experience, I believe the 2018 Honda Odyssey surpasses its competitors, especially at this price point.
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