2017 Honda Odyssey Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Honda’s popular Odyssey minivan, now in its fourth generation, will likely disappear next year to be replaced by a new model—but for now,...

Honda’s popular Odyssey minivan, now in its fourth generation, will likely disappear next year to be replaced by a new model—but for now, it remains a solid choice for families. The Odyssey cruises into 2017 without any major changes aside from a new sound-insulating windshield for the SE and EX-L trims.

Power for the Odyssey comes from a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission to put out 248 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It yields impressive fuel-economy numbers of 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined.

The Odyssey comes in six different trims: LX, EX, SE, EX-L, Touring, and Touring Elite. Pricing for 2017 starts at $29,850 for the base LX trim and tops out with the luxurious Touring Elite at $45,325. The LX trim comes equipped with plenty of standard features, such as air conditioning, power locks, a reversing camera, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, USB connectivity, and an 8-inch high-resolution audio display. It also includes safety items like daytime running lights, electronic brakeforce distribution, and traction and stability control. The EX-L trim adds forward-collision and lane-departure warning, and the top-of-the-line Touring Elite gets a blind-spot information system.

Comfort and convenience increase as you move up the Odyssey’s trim levels, but so does its price. Moreover, some features are simply not available on the lower trims, even as package additions, such as upgrades to the standard 240-watt 7-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer. Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system and a 246-watt audio system become available options at the EX-L trim level, and a 650-watt 12-speaker system with a Surround Sound theater mode is included with the Touring Elite trim. A rear-seat entertainment system becomes standard at the SE trim level, while the Touring Elite comes with an upgraded entertainment system complete with a 16.2-inch screen and a pair of wireless headphones. The screen drops down from the ceiling, providing a great view for the second and third rows, and is split-screen capable so there will be less arguing about what to watch.

The Odyssey SE and Touring Elite trims feature the HondaVac, an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner powered by the car’s electrical system. It’s tucked into a cubby in the rear cargo area and comes with an extendable hose that reaches all the way to the front of the vehicle. The vacuum can run for up to 8 minutes in accessory mode, or continuously if you leave the engine on while you tidy up the car.

Minivans have always been less about power and more about comfort—and this the Odyssey delivers in abundance. The interior has room for up to 8 people, and adults can comfortably fit into any seat. The third row split-folds 60/40 to make loading cargo easy, and the trunk offers 38.4 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 93.1 cubic feet behind the second row, and 148.5 cubic feet behind the front seats. The driver and front passenger get power-adjustable seats even on the base LX trim, with leather trim and heating for the front seats available as upgrades. The second row, though not powered, offers unique adjustability to accommodate 3 people comfortably—the 2 outboard seats can move outward toward the doors, giving the person in the middle more room.

The Honda Odyssey offers a wide range of trims at varying price points to accommodate families on a tight budget. Those looking for the most fully equipped minivan available will pay upward of $45,000 to park it in their driveway, but they’ll also get to take to the road in a comfortable, family-oriented van they’re sure to enjoy.