Everything You Should Know About the Upcoming 2018 Honda Odyssey

Since 1995, the Honda Odyssey has been the premier minivan on the market, offering families around the country a versatile, convenient, and affordable package for everyday ventures. While the current Odyssey is in its third generation, Honda looks to compete with new entries in the minivan segment with the 2018 version. If you’re looking to upgrade to a family friendly vehicle in the next few years, make sure to put this one on your short list. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2018 Honda Odyssey.

Exterior Changes

Despite the fact that 2018 ushers in the fourth generation of the Odyssey, early reports show that it won’t receive excessive exterior changes. The most noticeable updates are sharper, sportier and more aerodynamic lines on the front end, as well as new fog lights, headlights, and a grille that appears to be borrowed from Honda’s Accord sedan. There’s still a little over a year before the minivan arrives at dealerships, so more changes aren’t out of the question. But it seems that Honda will stick with this idea.

Under the Hood

The most recent version of the Odyssey sports a 3.5-liter V6 engine, capable of 248-horsepower and up to 250 pound-feet of torque. However, to increase power and fuel economy, Honda is likely to introduce a turbocharged version of the same motor with a sizable increase in horsepower, probably around 280. In addition, there’s a strong likelihood that Honda will unveil a plug-in hybrid version of the Odyssey to combat this same option offered by the small, yet competitive minivan market. Other possibilities include a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, both of which are new offerings to the model.

Interior Amenities

Currently, the Odyssey offers six trim levels, each more loaded than the last. There’s a chance that the Japanese auto giant may add a new trim option, but nothing’s been etched in stone. Nevertheless, standard offerings are probably similar to the 2016 version with a few more opulent accessories for the upper trims. The control panel and dashboard are two of the more obvious upgrades, improving ease of use and new tech features. Parents will also love that Honda plans to include the on-board HondaVac vacuum system on more trims than earlier years.

For increased comfort and storage capacity, the Odyssey will continue to supply folding third-row seats, and there’s even a possibility that it will add flat folding third row seats. With the seats down, the 2016 Odyssey holds up to 148 cubic feet of cargo space, so expect the 2018 to have similar or even a bit higher capacity.

Although there hasn’t been a press release from Honda about the specifics of the 2018 Odyssey, early indications show an impressive update to one of the best-selling minivans of all time. Next year, look for the Odyssey at some of the prestigious auto shows before it hits dealerships near the end of 2017.

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $835.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.