Redesigned for 2011, the Honda Odyssey minivan sits lower but wider than its predecessor, with a look Honda says was inspired by lightning bolts. All Odysseys carry a 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The minivan seats up to eight and competitors include the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler’s Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, and the Nissan Quest. The Odyssey comes only in front-wheel drive.
All Odyssey trim levels now come with a standard backup camera.
The Odyssey is styled to stand out among a sea of parked minivans. Its belt line falls abruptly at the C-pillars, resulting in an offset rear-quarter window. Honda says the design enhances sightlines for passengers in the third row. Rails for the sliding doors sit well below the windows; Honda says keeping the motors for the power-sliding doors lower allows for more shoulder room in the third row. Additional exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch wheels; 18-inch wheels optional
- Available power liftgate
- Available power moonroof
- Available xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- Available power-sliding side doors
Honda says the interior sports such tricks as a flip-up ring to mount a trash sack for second-row passengers and an air-conditioned console up front that can keep a six-pack of soda cool. A power driver’s seat, air conditioning and cruise control are standard. Additional interior features include:
- 15 cupholders
- Sliding second-row center seat moves up to 6 inches closer to the front of the cabin to keep an infant within arm’s reach
- Available rear entertainment system; Touring Elite model gets a 16.2-inch widescreen display and surround sound
- Available integrated sunshades
- Available heated leather front seats
- Available navigation system
- Standard collapsible third-row seat creates a flat load floor
The standard 3.5-liter V-6 makes 248 horsepower; it has a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation system across all trims. Additional mechanical features include:
- Engine uses regular gas
- LX, EX and EX-L models have a five-speed automatic transmission
- Touring and Touring Elite use a six-speed automatic, along with low-rolling-resistance tires and a few aerodynamic improvements
- Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped
Standard safety features include:
- Front-, side-impact and three-row side curtain airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system with traction control
- Active front head restraints
- Blind spot warning system (Touring Elite)
