2023 Honda Odyssey Review

Once you drive the 2023 Honda Odyssey, you won't think negatively about minivans again thanks to its smooth ride, sure steering, and quick-accelerating V-6 engine. Don't fear; the Odyssey won't fall short in terms of practicality if a minivan is something you need. With its innovative Magic Seat system, you can arrange the seats in the second row in a number of different ways, including one that will keep quarreling children properly apart. To make room for more cargo, the third seat slides into a hole in the floor. The Honda's infotainment system offers more than the bare minimum, including an optional rear-seat entertainment system to keep the kids entertained, even though the cabin isn't as well connected and tech-focused as those in competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica or Kia Carnival.

Modifications for 2023

This year, a brand-new mid-range Sport model is added to the lineup; it features red ambient internal lighting, distinctive 19-inch wheels, black leather interior trim, and gloss black exterior accents. The Odyssey lineup as a whole will remain unaltered, but Honda will provide a free scheduled maintenance program for all 2023 models. This program will cover oil changes and other necessary dealership maintenance services for the first two years, or 24,000 miles, of ownership. The herd has been reduced to the basic LX trim.

Which Trim To Purchase?

Choose the EX-L. Although the EX is well-equipped out of the box, the EX-L upgrades it with upscale amenities that families will adore, like leather seats, more USB outlets in the back, and a power-operated rear liftgate.

Power & Performance

The Odyssey is a darling that demands no concessions because she is quick, effective, and well-polished. The Odyssey makes sharp direction changes, making it easy to forget you're driving a three-row van while you're behind the wheel. Although there is minimal effort and direct steering, greater road feedback would be appreciated. The Odyssey is the best-driving minivan, and its nimbleness makes it competent in bends and simple to drive on narrow roads. Driving enthusiasts won't gush, however; after all, it is still a minivan. Our test Elite's ride wasn't as smooth as our long-term Pacifica's, but its standard 19-inch wheels may have contributed to that. We drove an EX-L with 18-inch wheels that looked more appropriate for the potholed Michigan roads we frequently travel. However, the Odyssey exhibits a nice ride over most road surfaces, and few passengers will grumble.

Fuel Economy

The EPA rates the Odyssey at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate. Our test vehicle fared better than its EPA estimate during real-world highway testing, returning 30 mpg. Our long-term Pacifica got 33 mpg, for comparison.

Interior & Comfort

A minivan's principal function is to transport people and goods between faraway locations, and the Odyssey excels at this task. The seats in its second row are much more comfy than those in the Pacifica, and its third row is among the roomiest in the class. Multiple configurations are possible because of Honda's innovative second-row Magic Slide seats, which slide both fore and aft and side to side. The Odyssey is a family-friendly transporter if you add in a quiet cabin and some clever technology, such as an in-cabin camera that lets you keep an eye on the kids in the second and third rows. There is a lot of room for moving freight because of its square design and low loading floor, although some competitors do it more efficiently and effectively. The two outboard seats in the second row weigh 68 pounds each, so removing them will require some strength. When the Magic Slide seat mechanism is taken out, it remains on the floor and makes it difficult to load cargo. Our study showed that the Odyssey could carry one piece of carry-on luggage less than the Pacifica when the third row of seats was folded and the second row was removed.

Infotainment

Every Odyssey comes with Display Audio, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The software enables customization of the menu design and smartphone communication via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in addition to Bluetooth. A rear-seat entertainment system with integrated streaming apps is a standard feature on both the Touring and Elite models.

Safety

All Odyssey models come equipped as standard with Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of driver aid technology. Visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for more details regarding the Odyssey's crash test results. Important safety elements include:

Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection

Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty & Coverage For Maintenance

The Odyssey's standard warranty package from Honda is identical to that of the majority of its competitors and doesn't provide anything particularly unique. With a 10-year coverage for its engine and a limited warranty that lasts two years longer than any of its competitors, the Carnival wins this contest in terms of warranties.

Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles

Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 24,000 miles

Competitive Cars

Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna

In comparison to the Odyssey, the Toyota Sienna has a few clear advantages. It is more fuel-efficient and has available all-wheel drive (the Odyssey only has front-wheel drive). Additionally, it has a few more common tech features, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, that are only available on higher-end Odyssey models. However, the Odyssey has a more powerful engine and more cargo space.

Honda Odyssey vs. Chrysler Pacifica

All-wheel drive is an option on the Chrysler Pacifica, just like it is on the Sienna. Additionally, it provides Stow 'n Go seats, which let you fold the second row of seats into the ground. To reach the Odyssey's maximum cargo space, you will need to physically remove the seats from the car. Otherwise, the Odyssey outperforms the Pacifica in almost all areas. It offers a more upscale interior, plusher seats, bigger cargo space, and superior handling.