Could In-Car Messes Be a Thing of the Past With 2014 Honda Odyssey's Vacuum?

Parents, rejoice! The 2014 Honda Odyssey will have a first-ever in-vehicle vacuum system. Those Cheerios and cracker crumbs that often litter your car’s second and third rows could be just a temporary problem now that there’s an in-car vacuum to suck them up.

For 2014, the Odyssey is getting a refresh that includes the HondaVac system, which will be only available on the top Touring Elite trim when it goes on sale this summer. The 2013 version of that trim level starts at an eye-bulging $44,855 including destination.

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The vacuum was developed with ShopVac and has a replaceable filter and canister bag; nozzle accessories are integrated into the cargo area’s driver-side bulkhead.

The HondaVac system doesn’t need an outlet or recharging; it can run continuously when the minivan’s engine is running or for up to eight minutes after the car’s engine has been turned off.

Of course, it’s not enough to have an in-car vacuum if it doesn’t reach all the way to the front seat, but according to its press release, Honda says the hose and attachments can get to every corner.

We’re looking forward to putting this vacuum system to the test when it arrives in our test fleet. Our Chicago-based editors have several backseat testers who’d be more than happy to drop a few cookies on the floor in the name of testing, and I’m curious to find out if older kids can operate the vacuum independently.

The refreshed 2014 Honda Odyssey debuts this week at the New York International Auto Show. Check back for more information on prices and other features.