2018 HONDA ODYSSEY FIRST LOOK

2018 HONDA ODYSSEY FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

When the all-new 2018 Odyssey arrives this spring, America’s favorite minivan will be flaunting a host of new features and technologies aimed to make it the ultimate in family-friendly packaging.

The new Magic Slide second-row seat introduces 4 reconfigurable modes for optimal passenger comfort, people and cargo-hauling flexibility and easy access to third-row seating – even when 1 or 2 rear facing child seats are placed in the second row.  In-vehicle connectivity moves front and center with the innovative CabinWatch and CabinTalk.

Using a camera, those in the front can keep tabs on passengers both day and night via the Display Audio Screen and also talk to 2^nd and 3^rd row passengers through the rear speakers and the entertainment system’s wireless headphones.  And conversation in general is easier than ever with the quietest cabin in the class.  The Connected Rear Entertainment System taps the Odyssey’s available 4G LTE Wi-Fi or the user’s smartphone data plan to stream video and audio while a new “How Much Farther” app answers the age old question, “are we there yet?”  CabinControl allows users to summon their smartphone to manipulate a number of the Odyssey’s cabin features and to send destinations to the navigation system.

To the mechanicals, a 10-speed automatic transmission debuts on upper grades, while a 9-speed comes standard.  The 3.5-liter V6 with fuel saving variable cylinder management gets a significant bump in output, rated at 280 horsepower.

An all-new body and chassis design reduce weight and increases rigidity.