2021 Honda Odyssey Review: The Ultimate Family Minivan

The 2021 Honda Odyssey is a thoroughly impressive minivan priced at 180,000 Dirhams. By the end of this review, you’ll understand why it could be a better choice than an SUV for your next family car.

Drive

You may have doubts about the Honda Odyssey, but let me assure you, it’s fun to drive! Equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Odyssey generates 280 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque. This means that pressing the accelerator results in thrilling wheel spin during first gear, and the engine sounds surprisingly good for a minivan. Yes, the Honda Odyssey provides an exhilarating driving experience!

Despite its size, the Odyssey feels easy to handle. It boasts excellent visibility, light steering for easy maneuverability, and a soft suspension that absorbs road imperfections. Additionally, features like Active Noise Cancellation enhance cabin comfort, while the Honda Sensing safety suite provides:

• Lane Keeping Assist
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision-Avoidance
• Blind Spot Monitoring

These features contribute to making the Odyssey one of the safest vehicles available, as confirmed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Interior

The cabin design of the Honda Odyssey remains spacious and practical. It features a 7-inch instrument cluster screen, an 8-inch touch infotainment screen, and ample storage solutions facilitated by a push-button gear selector.

In the second row, passengers enjoy substantial headroom and legroom, surpassing what most SUVs offer. The seats can slide and recline, and come equipped with:

• Privacy shades
• USB chargers
• A 10.2-inch overhead entertainment screen

The third row is surprisingly spacious, accommodating 3 adults comfortably with:

• 38 inches of legroom
• A/C vents
• Charging outlets
• Headphone jacks
• Privacy shades

Features

The Honda Odyssey is loaded with features, including:

• Sunroof
• Ventilated seats
• 10-speaker sound system
• Wireless charger
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Tri-zone climate control

What sets it apart are:

1. Garmin Navigation System: Unlike most in-built navigation systems, the Garmin system is fast and user-friendly. Alternatively, you can use Google Maps by connecting your phone.
2. Cabin Talk: This in-car PA system allows the driver’s voice to reach the rear seats, ensuring effective communication even when kids are using wireless headphones.
3. Cabin Watch: A roof-mounted camera with night vision lets you monitor rear seat passengers, ensuring peace of mind, especially with young children.

Exterior

The 2021 Honda Odyssey has received a facelift featuring new LED headlamps, fog lamps, grille, and bumper. However, the design may not appeal to everyone. While it attempts to replicate the sleek aesthetics of the Honda Accord and Honda Civic, it may appear a bit bulky.

This Touring trim features 19-inch alloy wheels and power sliding doors controlled via a key fob. The back of the Odyssey maintains familiarity, with a notable change being the black chrome strip connecting the tail lamps. The tailgate is height adjustable, accommodating low garage roofs, while storage space is generous. Even with all three rows in use, there’s ample storage; folding the third row and removing the second offers nearly 4,000 liters of storage—more than most SUVs can provide.

Verdict

When families typically opt for large SUVs, they often pay for features they don’t need, such as four-wheel drive. In contrast, the Honda Odyssey, with a starting price of 145,000 Dirhams and a fully loaded price of 180,000 Dirhams, offers superior comfort, safety, and space for transporting families. Additionally, the unique technology features of the Odyssey are unmatched by any SUV. So, is it time to consider minivans like the Honda Odyssey as family cars? I certainly think so! If you're also seeking the best car insurance deals in the country, check out InsuranceMarket.ae™.