2024 Honda Odyssey Review

Honda Odyssey features focus on helping parents and children relax and enjoy the ride.  Tri-zone automatic climate controls keep the air conditioning flowing throughout the big cabin. Standard second-row window shades block unwanted light. 

Power sliding doors are easier for kids to manage than the typical heavy doors on 3 row SUVs. These doors open via an instrument panel switch, a B-pillar switch, the door handles, a smart key, or a car app remote. A power liftgate is standard, making it easy to access without putting down a sleeping child.

With Honda-exclusive Magic Slide seating, parents can move a middle seat toward them to reach a child better. They may move the seats forward or back to separate children sitting side by side. With the 7-row layout, the outboard seats can move flush-left or flush-right to create better 3rd row access.

Like an intercom, Cabin Talk helps the driver to keep their eyes on the road while speaking to kids in a natural voice. Cabin Watch utilizes a camera system to show the children on the back rows.

Multi-zone audio controls allow for a rear-seat quiet zone while drivers can hear their entertainment and navigation easily. Rear seat entertainment is available to keep kids occupied on long trips. The available WiFi hotspot makes it easier for parents, teens and kids to use their smart devices.

Starting with the entry level Odyssey EX, Odyssey cabins are more luxurious simply because every material is high quality, and the fit and finish is excellent. Ride quality is good, and extensive noise insulation keeps the ride quiet.

In the cockpit, a 12-way power chair keeps the driver more comfortable. A touchscreen and advanced phone connectivity coordinate with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink. Front passengers have a 4-way power chair, and second row passengers have window shades.

Just one step up from entry level, Odyssey EX-L models have two rows of leather upholstery. An 8-way passenger power chair and a moonroof are among the upgrades. Sport trim levels elevate the design with red stitching, red accent lighting, and black roof pillars.

Touring trim levels move into luxury territory adding top-tier connectivity technologies, including the largest touchscreen and built-in navigation. An advanced Rear Entertainment System includes built-in apps, wireless headphones, and a Blu-Ray™27Player. 

Odyssey Elite trims are luxury liners with a premium 500-watt, 11-speaker audio system, blue ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats. Standard features include CabinWalk and CabinTalk.

This large vehicle is a pleasure to drive thanks to ample power and a smart 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers command 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine has proven itself again and again, instilling confidence in the driver.

Demonstrating its strength, the tow rating is 3,500 lbs. That’s enough to bring along a small camper, a couple of Jet Skis or a pair of ATVs. 

Drivers can enjoy low-speed assistance with Honda adaptive cruise control. This makes commuting easier by taking on more duties than regular cruise control. A lane keeping assist and road departure mitigation add to the driver’s feeling of confidence behind the wheel.

A variety of critics have reported that their test drivers are pleased with the Odyssey’s drivability. Accolades include:

Sleekly sculpted, the Honda minivan looks dignified and elite. Kelley Blue Book praises its unique exterior, interesting wheel designs, and stylish body. 

LED headlights, LED fog lights and rear integrated LED light bars provide an interesting night time signature. An active shutter grille assists with fuel efficiency. A unique three-view rearview camera shows you more of what’s behind you.

Smart Entry is standard, helping out busy parents by providing walk away auto locks.  EX-L models add tilt-down to the mirrors and acoustic glass to the windshield.

Metallic paints are offered in Lunar Silver, Radiant Red, Pacific Pewter, and Modern Steel. Pearl paint colors include Obsidian Blue, Crystal Black, Sonic Gray, and Pacific Pewter. Interior colors include mocha, gray, black, and a gray-black combination.

How handsome is your current ride? You can get an instant cash offer with this Kelley Blue Book trade appraisal tool.

Without a moonroof, the 2024 Honda Odyssey has 163 cubic feet for passengers. This allows for 40.9 inches of second-row legroom. Compared to 3 row SUVs, only a Lincoln Navigator has more. Even better, 

Odyssey third row legroom is 38.1 inches for teens and adults. That’s 5 inches more than the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, Volkswagen Atlas, and Toyota Sequoia. It’s 1.5 or 2 inches more than the Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade, Grand Wagoneer, Chevy Suburban, and GMC Yukon.

At a minimum, the Odyssey cargo hold measures 32.8 cubic feet. That’s a lot more than popular 3 row SUVs, including the Kia Telluride (21 cu ft) or Hyundai Palisade (18 cu ft). 

Plus this Honda minivan has a deep well in the storage area. It also has fold-in-the-floor third row seats and the ability to remove the second row entirely.

The 2024 Honda Odyssey is a Top Safety Pick, according to IIHS crash testers and analysts. This Honda minivan’s many safety features helped it earn all five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Pedestrian detection or a collision warning can trigger the autobrake. Collision mitigation braking can help reduce the chances of a dangerous impact and help prevent the conditions in which people can be injured.

Lane keeping assist and road departure mitigation are additional standard features. A lane watch assist is part of the blind spot monitor.

Helping make parking easier, a multi-view rearview camera shows three views of what’s behind you. An available Surround View system reveals even more. 

There’s simply more space for people and gear when you choose the Odyssey. Leading its minivan class, Odyssey second-row legroom is better than Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica or Kia Carnival. Third-row legroom is better than the Chrysler or Kia minivans. 

Leading among minivans and 3 row SUVs, Honda LATCH equipment is on six seats out of 8. The second row has three full sets while the third row has two full sets and a tether anchor for the middle seat. 

As for cargo, the Odyssey provides a best-in-class area behind the second row because its third row folds into the floor completely.  With all seats in the forward-most position, it can achieve up to 38 cubic feet of standard cargo space. 

The Kia Carnival owner must settle for a maximum of 101 cubic feet of storage. That’s not much compared to 140.7 cubic feet in the Odyssey with the third-row flattened into the floor and the second row removed completely.

Continuing a long winning streak, 2024 Odyssey reviews are quite favorable. US News and World Report ranks the 2024 Honda Odyssey at #1 among minivans. 

Plus the Odyssey earned the 2024 Best Minivan for the Money at US News. It has also achieved the top rank at Motor Trend.  Car and Driver declares it an Editors Choice. Edmunds praises it for pleasing levels of luxury and convenience.

Critics clearly are in agreement that the vehicle is safe, practical, and a value package. Ride quality is called refined or gentle. Handling is called nimble or solid. The Odyssey minivan is praised for its reliability and durability.

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The 2024 Honda Odyssey is an excellent choice for families seeking a reliable and versatile minivan. So what’s your next step? Hands-on research is always fun.