The 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite stands as the flagship trim, representing the zenith of the fifth-generation Odyssey minivan lineup. It builds upon the robust foundation of the lower trims, adding a wealth of premium features and sophisticated technologies that cater to the most discerning families. Let’s delve into the specifications that set the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 apart.
Under the hood, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018, like all 2018 Odyssey models, is powered by a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine delivers 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, ensuring ample power for daily driving and long road trips alike. The engine features a 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® valvetrain and direct fuel injection, contributing to both performance and efficiency. It also incorporates Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) to optimize fuel economy by deactivating cylinders when full power is not needed. The engine redline is set at 6800 rpm, and it operates with a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The Drive-by-Wire Throttle System and Eco Assist™ System further enhance the driving experience and fuel efficiency.
Alt text: 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite engine specifications table highlighting V6 engine, horsepower, and torque.
The Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 exclusively features a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and paddle shifters. This advanced transmission provides a wide gear ratio spread, enhancing both acceleration and fuel economy. The gear ratios range from a 1st gear of 5.246 to a 10th gear of 0.517, with a final drive ratio of 3.61. An Idle-Stop feature is also standard with the 10AT, further contributing to fuel conservation in city driving.
The body and chassis of the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 are engineered for a comfortable and stable ride. It utilizes a MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and a Compact Trailing Arm Rear Suspension. Steering is managed by a Dual-Pinion Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) system, offering a steering ratio of 14.35:1 and 2.97 steering wheel turns lock-to-lock. Stabilizer bars, slightly thicker in the front for EX-L trims and above, help to reduce body roll during cornering. The Elite trim features a 26.5 mm solid front stabilizer bar and a 20.0 mm x 3.5 mm tubular rear stabilizer bar. Power-assisted ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, sized at 12.6 inches and 13.0 inches respectively, provide confident stopping power. The Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is equipped with 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with gloss black inserts and all-season tires (235 / 55 R19 101H), enhancing its premium appearance and handling.
Alt text: Wheel specifications for the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, showcasing 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 shares the same wheelbase (118.1 inches), length (203.2 inches), and width (78.5 inches) as other trims. However, the height is listed at 69.6 inches for EX trims and above, which may vary slightly from the base LX trim. The curb weight of the Elite trim is the highest in the lineup at 4593 lbs, reflecting its added features and equipment. The weight distribution is nearly balanced at 55.0% front and 45.0% rear. The towing capacity for the Elite trim is 3500 lbs, slightly higher than the LX, EX, and EX-L trims which are rated at 3000 lbs.
Alt text: Exterior dimensions table of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, highlighting wheelbase, length, and width.
The interior of the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is designed for maximum comfort and passenger space. Headroom measures 38.7 inches in the front, 39.2 inches in the middle, and 38.3 inches in the rear. Legroom is generous with 40.9 inches in the front and middle rows, and 38.1 inches in the rear. Shoulder room and hiproom are also ample across all three rows. Cargo volume is substantial, offering 32.8 cu ft behind the 3rd row, expanding to 86.6 cu ft behind the 2nd row, and a maximum of 140.7 cu ft behind the 1st row (SAE J1100 standard). Passenger volume is 160.1 cu ft, and seating capacity is for 8 occupants.
Fuel efficiency for the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 with the 10-speed automatic transmission is EPA rated at 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The fuel tank capacity is 19.5 gallons, and it runs on regular unleaded fuel.
Safety is paramount in the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018. It comes standard with a suite of active safety features including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. It also includes Daytime Running Lights (LED), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines. Honda Sensing® suite is standard from the EX trim upwards, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Passive safety features include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure and a comprehensive airbag system.
Alt text: Safety features table of the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, emphasizing ABS, airbags, and Honda Sensing technologies.
The exterior of the Elite trim distinguishes itself with body-colored roofline spoiler and parking sensors, LED fog lights and headlights, rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers, and power folding and heated side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and reverse gear tilt-down. Acoustic glass on the windshield and front and rear doors further enhances cabin quietness.
Inside, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 offers a wealth of comfort and convenience features. It includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control System, integrated sunshades for the 2nd and 3rd rows, HomeLink® Remote System, and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and heated, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated. For added family convenience, it features the HondaVAC® built-in vacuum cleaner and blue ambient LED lighting. Seating in the Elite trim includes leather-trimmed seats (front and outboard 2nd-row), heated and ventilated front seats, and Magic Slide 2nd-Row Seats™.
Technologically, the Honda Elite Odyssey 2018 is well-equipped. It boasts an 8-Inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration, SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio™, CabinTalk™ In-Car PA System, and an Advanced Rear Entertainment System with a 10.2-inch screen and Blu-Ray player. It also includes Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, CabinWatch™ Rear Seat Monitor, HondaLink®, mobile hotspot capability, wireless phone charger, and a premium 550-Watt Audio System with 11 speakers.
In conclusion, the 2018 Honda Elite Odyssey delivers a top-tier minivan experience. Its powerful V6 engine, refined 10-speed transmission, comprehensive safety suite, and luxurious comfort and technology features make it an excellent choice for families seeking the best in minivan sophistication and practicality.
