The minivan. For many, it conjures images of suburban life, soccer practices, and family road trips. While SUVs have surged in popularity, the minivan remains the ultimate champion of practicality and space. Among minivans, the Honda Odyssey has long been a top contender. But in an increasingly competitive market with rivals like Toyota and Kia offering hybrid options and fresh designs, is the 2024 Honda Odyssey still a relevant choice for families? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review.
Interior: Spaciousness Meets Dated Design
Stepping inside the 2024 Odyssey, the first thing you’ll notice is the sheer amount of space. Honda has mastered the art of maximizing interior volume, and the Odyssey comfortably accommodates passengers in all three rows. Even adults will find ample legroom and headroom in the third row, a feature not always guaranteed in other minivans or SUVs. The seats are comfortable, making long journeys pleasant for everyone on board.
However, the interior design itself feels noticeably dated. While functional and user-friendly, it lacks the modern aesthetic found in newer competitors. The center display, in particular, stands out as a relic from a previous era. Its small size and upward angle towards the sunroof feel out of place in a $50,000 vehicle in 2024. The button layout for the PRND also contributes to the somewhat cluttered and aged appearance. Compared to the sleek and simplified interiors of the newer Honda Pilot or Accord, the Odyssey’s cabin is in need of a significant refresh.
Despite the dated design, practicality remains a strong point for the Odyssey. While it doesn’t offer Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seats, the Odyssey’s second-row seats are still relatively easy to manipulate, providing flexible passenger and cargo configurations. Even with the third row in use, the cargo area is deep and spacious, capable of handling luggage for family trips or bulky items.
One surprising and frankly baffling omission is the lack of a cargo area light. Retrieving items from the trunk at night becomes a frustrating exercise in using your phone’s flashlight. In a vehicle designed for family practicality, this oversight is hard to ignore and feels like a significant drawback. It’s the kind of small detail that can have a big impact on daily usability. On the positive side, the Elite trim does come loaded with tech and safety features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and blind-spot monitoring, addressing modern connectivity expectations.
Driving Dynamics: Surprisingly Engaging for a Minivan
Where the Odyssey continues to shine is in its driving dynamics. For a minivan, it handles with surprising agility and responsiveness. The steering is precise, well-weighted, and offers a degree of feedback that is rare in modern vehicles, especially in this segment. This Honda characteristic makes the Odyssey more engaging to drive than many competitors, instilling confidence on winding roads. In comparison, rivals like the Toyota Sienna are criticized for their numb steering and less connected driving feel. While no one expects a minivan to be a sports car, the Odyssey’s competent handling is a definite plus.
Engine and Performance: Smooth V6, Thirsty Consumption
Under the hood, the 2024 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. While it might lack low-end torque, the engine delivers smooth and satisfying power once it revs up. The V6 offers a more refined driving experience compared to the four-cylinder engines found in some competitors, avoiding the sometimes coarse noises associated with smaller engines working hard. The 10-speed automatic transmission is generally an improvement over previous Honda transmissions, but it’s not without its quirks. Downshifts can be hesitant, and the shift logic, especially when using cruise control on hilly roads, can be somewhat indecisive, leading to noticeable speed fluctuations and potentially impacting fuel efficiency.
Speaking of fuel efficiency, this is where the Odyssey lags behind the competition. In a market where hybrid minivans are becoming increasingly common, the Odyssey’s V6 engine and 21 MPG average fuel economy feel outdated. Competitors like the Toyota Sienna, with its standard hybrid powertrain, can achieve significantly better fuel economy, averaging over 30 MPG. With rising fuel costs, this difference can be a major consideration for family buyers.
Conclusion: Awaiting a Refresh, But Still Capable
The Honda Odyssey remains a spacious, comfortable, and surprisingly enjoyable minivan to drive. Its strengths lie in its generous passenger and cargo space, comfortable ride, and engaging driving dynamics for its class. However, the dated interior design and unimpressive fuel economy are undeniable weaknesses in today’s market. With competitors offering more modern interiors and fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, the Odyssey is clearly due for a significant refresh.
For families prioritizing driving experience and interior space, the current Odyssey is still a capable choice. However, those seeking the latest technology, modern design, and better fuel efficiency might want to consider competitors or eagerly await the next generation of the Honda Odyssey, which will hopefully bring much-needed updates to keep it at the forefront of the minivan segment. The Odyssey has been a class leader for a reason, and a comprehensive refresh could easily restore it to its former glory.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Engaging driving dynamics for a minivan
Cons:
- Outdated interior design
- Poor fuel economy compared to competitors
