The minivan segment witnessed a significant shift with the arrival of the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring. Honda aimed to not just refresh, but to redefine the very essence of the minivan, injecting a dose of sporty appeal and cutting-edge technology into a segment often perceived as purely utilitarian. This all-new Odyssey, designed for the needs of contemporary families, boasted a striking new design, enhanced interior flexibility, and advanced entertainment features, setting a new benchmark in the minivan category.
One of the most immediately noticeable changes was the exterior styling. Departing from conventional minivan aesthetics, the 2011 Odyssey adopted a more aggressive and dynamic stance. The most prominent design cue was the distinctive “lightning-bolt” beltline, a bold stroke that not only gave the Odyssey a unique visual signature but also cleverly enhanced visibility for passengers in the third row. This innovative design element immediately set the Odyssey apart from its competitors, signaling a move towards a more stylish and less boxy minivan form.
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Beyond the striking beltline, the 2011 Odyssey featured a lower roofline and a wider track compared to its predecessor. Specifically, the roof was lowered by 1.6 inches (compared to the 2010 Odyssey EX), and the track was widened by 1.4 inches. These dimensional changes contributed to a sleeker, more planted appearance on the road, while also improving the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile. Enhanced aerodynamics translated directly into better fuel efficiency, a key consideration for family vehicle buyers, and also contributed to a more spacious interior. The increased width provided occupants with more shoulder and hip room, enhancing overall comfort, especially on longer journeys.
Under the hood, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring was powered by a refined 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine. This engine incorporated Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM) technology, operating in three modes to optimize fuel consumption and power delivery. VCM allowed the engine to run on all six cylinders when maximum power was needed, or switch to three or four cylinders during cruising or light load conditions, maximizing efficiency without sacrificing performance. Preliminary fuel economy estimates for the Odyssey Touring Elite model were an impressive 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.* These figures were a testament to Honda’s engineering prowess in balancing power and efficiency in a large vehicle.
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Inside the cabin, the 2011 Odyssey Touring Elite model was laden with premium features designed to enhance both comfort and entertainment. The audio system was a high-fidelity AM/FM/XM/CD Premium Audio System boasting 12 speakers, ensuring an immersive sound experience for all passengers. For navigation, Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation was included, providing seamless route guidance and hands-free operation.
A standout feature was the Ultra-Wide Rear Entertainment System (RES) with split-screen capability. This system catered to the diverse entertainment needs of families, allowing for simultaneous viewing of different media on a single, wide screen. An external HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) input further expanded connectivity options, enabling passengers to connect gaming consoles or other high-definition devices. A 150-watt AC power outlet provided convenient power for charging laptops or other electronic devices on the go. Practicality was also addressed with a media tray featuring an integrated beverage holder and a removable 1st-row center console with hidden storage, maximizing space utilization. A new “cool box” integrated into the lower center stack provided a refrigerated storage compartment, perfect for keeping drinks and snacks chilled, especially during warmer weather.
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Seating comfort was paramount in the Odyssey Touring Elite. Leather-trimmed seating surfaces, coupled with heated front seats, offered a touch of luxury. The driver’s seat was a memory-linked 10-way power-adjustable seat, allowing for personalized comfort settings. Recognizing the importance of child safety, the Odyssey offered LATCH child seat anchors in five seating positions, including three in the second row, capable of accommodating three child seats side-by-side. The second row featured two comfortable captain’s chairs, with a foldable center seat for added versatility. Honda’s signature One-strap stowable 3rd Row Magic Seat® made accessing the third row and expanding cargo space incredibly easy and intuitive. Second- and third-row passenger window sunshades added to passenger comfort, especially for younger children. Ample beverage storage was provided with 15 beverage holders strategically placed throughout the cabin. Even thoughtful details like a trash bag ring were included, showcasing Honda’s attention to family-friendly usability.
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On the exterior, the 2011 Odyssey Touring Elite was equipped with HID front headlights for enhanced visibility and a premium appearance. Stylish 18-inch alloy wheels added to the vehicle’s sophisticated stance. Performance was further enhanced by 12.6-inch ventilated front disc brakes, providing confident stopping power. Power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators added convenience and safety, while a power tailgate offered ease of access to the rear cargo area.
In conclusion, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring emerged as a compelling option in the minivan market, successfully blending practicality, innovation, and a touch of style. Its redesigned exterior, spacious and feature-rich interior, and fuel-efficient yet powerful engine made it a strong contender for families seeking a versatile and refined vehicle. The 2011 Odyssey truly aimed to redefine what a minivan could be, moving beyond mere functionality to offer a more engaging and enjoyable driving and passenger experience.
* Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
