Touring Passenger Van
2023 Honda Odyssey

Pros: ‘Magic’ middle row great for parents with small kids; plush ride; Honda reliability reputation Cons: No cheaper base model; dreary to drive even for a minivan; no hybrid or AWD The 2023 Honda Odyssey isn’t so much an automobile as it is the ultimate piece of parenting gear. From novel features like its "Magic" sliding second-row seats and available onboard vacuum to common-but-indispensable traits like remotely opening doors and gargantuan cargo space, it's far more akin to a BOB Rambler, Britax Boulevard or MamaRoo – cleverly engineered items specifically designed to make parents' lives easier. While being oriented toward kids and parents might seem obvious for a minivan, none are so unabashedly centered on that goal than the Odyssey. While competitors attempt to hide their van-ness, the Odyssey lets its van flag fly. There was no attempt to add sporty or SUV-like flourishes outside, while inside, the dash has all the visual appeal of an ATM. The driving experience is similarly indifferent, characterized by loose steering and a pillowy ride (unlike earlier Accord-like Odysseys). It's all about the kids here, and they don't care if you're getting feedback through the wheel or your eyes are treated to an interesting-looking dash. They also probably don't care about fuel economy, but that's one of the few objective areas where the Odyssey trails its competitors. While its V6 engine is perfectly fine relative similarly powered vans, the Chrysler Pacifica offers an exceptional plug-in hybrid model while the Toyota Sienna is only offered as a hybrid that gets an estimated 36 mpg combined. The Odyssey gets 22 mpg, and while it's more powerful, we're guessing sacrificing some acceleration in favor of an estimated $1,000 per year on gas will be a trade worth making. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? The base LX is discontinued, making the EX the new base trim and the 2023 Odyssey base price therefore considerably higher. A new Odyssey Sport also debuts. It basically takes the EX-L trim and adds a black grille, wheels and exterior trim, plus red contrast stitching to the interior’s black leather. The interior ambient lighting is also red. The 2023 Odyssey is the first Honda to offer Honda Service Pass, which provides scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. What are the Odyssey interior and in-car technology like? If you've just test-driven a Kia Carnival, Chrysler Pacifica or Toyota Sienna, the Odyssey cabin is bound to seem a bit dull. Materials quality is acceptable, and there's no faulting Honda's ability to screw things together, but the aesthetic is one of pure functionality. All of its competitors have made strides toward cabins that feel less van-like when behind the wheel – the Odyssey leans hard into its vandom. To that end, though, it's incredibly functional. There's a walled gutter between the front seats that lets you securely plop down your purse. There's a hidden …
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